TRIBUTES have been paid in droves to a ‘beautiful, vivacious and outgoing’ 24-year-old who died unexpectedly last Friday.

Popular Ellie Free (also known as Winters), who was a keen clubber, raver and free partier, had been about to enter her final year studying towards a degree in psychology at university in Bristol before news of her sudden passing last week has left the hundreds in Swindon who knew her grieving.

Post-mortem results are yet to emerge from the coroner but Ellie’s family and friends are focusing on celebrations of her life until the details of her death become clear.

The University of the West of England student, who had a love of singing and rapping, leaves behind brother Chris Hall, and mum, Liz.

Rallying together after hearing the news, those closest to Ellie have set up a memorial page in her honour and are planning a series of remembrance and fundraising events.

Aaron Bull, 27, said: “Such, such sad news. It still doesn’t feel real.

“So many memories over the years. From free partying, to talking robots.

“From Darren Styles at Liquid to having my car seized on the Ridgeway.

“From jumping into Lechlade in the summer to sledding down the hills of Purton in the winter.

“Smiling and laughing and raving like a soldier come rain or shine. A true character and a true friend. Gone but never forgotten mate. Sleep well.”

Tessa Kaye said of Ellie: “Just amazing, beautiful, caring, funny and so clever. The world was your star. You could have done anything you wanted girl.

“I love you right to the moon and back.”

Beth Ashton, a fellow student at UWE, said: “I hope from wherever you are now, you can see all the love that surrounded you at all times. I knew you from a young age and we were in touch not too long ago, still thought you were as cool as ever.

“Beautiful, vivacious and outgoing. You said you saw me walking around campus, and hoped to see me soon, I'm sad I didn't see you Ellie, I would have loved to have chilled with you. Sorry I missed you, peace to you lovely lady.”

Becky Eldridge said: “Gone but never forgotten. You will be greatly missed, we had some amazing times over the years, so many great memories! You have been taken from us too young, the world can be cruel. Rest in peace babe, we will meet again.”

On Friday evening, more than 100 of Ellie’s close friends and family will be holding a memorial in her honour in Queens Park, with scores of Chinese lanterns expected to be set loose into the night sky before the troupe moves on to one her favourite haunts, the Regent Hotel.