Fresher, 18, found dead in Manchester university halls of residence

The teenager's death is not being treated as suspicious

Ed Cooper, 18, died on Wednesday 28 September just days after starting at Manchester Met University (Lauren Dwyer)

Students are paying tribute to a fresher who was found dead in his halls of residence just days after starting university.

Ed Cooper, 18, died on Wednesday 28 September after becoming a student at Manchester Metropolitan University. The cause of his death remains unclear but police said it is not being treated as suspicious.

His family, who live in Yorkshire, described him as “a big personality who lived life to the full”. Sofie Cooper, speaking on behalf of the family, said: “We loved him dearly and we will miss him so much.”

The family has created a Facebook page called ‘Ed Cooper Celebration Page’, where they encouraged people who knew him to “add photos, memories, or music recommendations”.

More than 700 people have since joined the page and dozens have shared messages and photographs in memory of the teen.

One friend, Jake Keating, wrote: “A happy go lucky young man with a smile that would light up a room.

“You didn't need to know Ed that well to know he was such a lovely guy and the tributes on this page are a true testament to his character. A massive loss.”

Another, Alex Robinson, wrote: “The dictionary defines a superlative as of the highest kind, order and quality supreme. I define it as Ed Cooper, as not only a friend but also a man of the highest kind, order and quality supreme.

“You will be missed more than you could of ever imagined, thanks for the memories mate.”

Abigail Spencer shared the message: “Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting Ed knows he was the nicest, most genuine guy who had an amazing ability to put a smile on anyone's face.

“He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.”

Another friend, Danny Leach, wrote: “Still can’t really grasp that you've gone splooge. You were the best mate anyone could've wished for, there for me when I was down, there for so many happy memories and we had so many more to come.

“You truly were the best of all of us bud and the reaction to all of this shows you how much you were loved. Stay golden.”

Mr Cooper’s body was discovered on Wednesday evening. Ambulance crews received an emergency call to the halls on Stretford Road, Hulme, at 9:42pm.

A police spokesman said: “Shortly before 10pm on Wednesday 28 September, police were called by the ambulance service to a property on Stretford Road, Hulme, to reports of a sudden death.

“Officers attended the address, where the body of an 18-year-old man was found. The matter is not suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner."

A spokesman for the university said: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm the sudden death of a student in university halls on September 28.

“Our thoughts are with family and friends at this difficult time. Student Support Officers are currently providing support and assistance to affected students.”