Friends and co-workers have paid tribute to a Loughborough University student who "suddenly died in a nightclub".

21-year-old Ryan Winkler fell ill after an alleged drug overdose and was reportedly surrounded by people "who didn't know him".

Ryan, who studied human biology, died in the early hours of June 22 at a nightclub off campus.

Friends and co-workers have rushed to pay tribute to the former McDonald's employee, originally from Folkestone, KentLive reports.

'Too good for this world'

Luke Mackenzie wrote: "I’m in utter shock and can not believe it, but what a lovely person to have known and have the pleasure to work with over the last few years.

"I will never forget when I trained you on fries!

"Or all the conversations we had about uni and science, you were an amazing guy and thank you for bringing such positivity to everyone around you!

"Sending love to all your family and loved ones, Rest in peace Ryan Winkler, you’ll be missed."

Shannon Nightingale said: "Who knew a whole store worth of current and past maccies workers could all have their hearts broken in such a short space of time.

A JustGiving page has been set up in Ryan's memory

"You are one of the kindest people I’ve ever met and were obviously too good for this world. Enjoy yourself up there, you will be missed! RIP Ryan."

'My eyes won't close unless to cry'

Ryan's girlfriend Becky Laws has also remembered him in a touching post.

She said: "Not all the photos or words in the world could represent how close we were, couldn’t even brush my teeth without having you hugging me from behind and kissing my back, every second of every night you held me close to your body and now there’s this big empty bed and my eyes won’t close unless to cry.

"I miss you and everyone has been sending their love for you because you are the most amazing person I have ever met and have clearly touched the lives of so many around you.

"Please watch over me, I can’t do this without you."

Becky has set up a JustGiving page in Ryan's memory.

It aims to raise funds for St John's Ambulance, with £900 already donated.

A statement on the page reads: "Ryan Winkler died age 21 in a nightclub surrounded by people who didn’t know how to help him.

"This page was created in his memory to raise funds for St John’s Ambulance who provide first aid and life-saving courses.

"We urge you to give generously, share this link and most importantly, take one of their courses."

Ryan's funeral has been arranged for Friday, July 12 at Barham Crematorium near Canterbury.

A ceremony will also be held in the remembrance garden at Loughborough University during term time.

In statement released by the university's vice chancellor the family said Ryan's death was a 'tragic accident'.

In the brief statement, the family said: "This was a tragic accident at a time of celebration.

Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Robert Allison.
Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Robert Allison.

"We urge anyone not to take recreational drugs as the risks are evidently so high.”

The university's vice-chancellor Professor Robert Allison previously said the student became ill and died after taking an unidentified substance at an event which took place off the campus.

The death and the circumstances surrounding it are being investigated by Leicestershire Police .

And the university has urged its students to dispose of any illegal drugs they may have.