Touching tributes have poured in for a "wonderful and gifted young man" following his tragic death.

Chris Figgis, 18, died in a barn near his home in Graveney, near Faversham, where his father runs a farm.

His death has shocked and saddened staff and students at Kent College in Canterbury, where he spent his final year as deputy head boy before receiving top A-level results this summer.

The school has now opened a remembrance book, with headmaster Mark Turnball leading the tributes.

He says Chris "touched the lives of many colleagues and pupils" and that his loss has been met with great sadness.

"The Kent College community is deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Chris Figgis," he said.

"Chris was a student who really participated in school life, and it is so incredibly sad to think that such a talented person has now left us.

"He excelled in many areas, and particularly loved his hockey. Indeed, Canterbury Hockey Club has been as much a part of his life as the school.

"Last summer he achieved top grades in his A-levels in geography, maths and physics, and was planning to read physics at the University of Bath following a gap year.

"We will all greatly miss his wonderfully dry humour and the manner in which he made everyone feel so welcome in the school.

"The College is remembering Chris through a book of condolence and, alongside the wellbeing programme at the school, we are working to raise funds and awareness about mental health, particularly among young males."

Writing in the book, former classmate Anna Silver says: "The world has lost such a wonderful person.

"Chris has always been there for all of us, and I know that as a year group we will never be the same again.

"I hope that Chris is looking down on us and we can all do him proud every day as we all work through our own griefs."

Jackie Spencer wrote: "My abiding memory of Chris will be his engaging smile and sense of fun.

"He contributed much to the music at the Junior School, both as a chorister (performing in two national competitions and on tour in Austria) and playing percussion and euphonium in the orchestra."

Talented Chris was also a popular and rising star at Canterbury Hockey Club.

Team mates and coaches have described him as an "exceptional defender" who helped the club win numerous county and regional titles.

A minute's silence in his memory was held before all matches at the weekend, and the club has launched a condolences page, messages from which will be shared with Chris' family.

In a statement shared by the club, a spokesman said: "It is with great sadness that we share the news that one of our young club members, Chris Figgis, took his own life on Saturday.

"Chris played all the way through the junior section at Canterbury Hockey Club and was part of a successful side that won numerous county and regional titles, going on to play in numerous England Hockey national finals

"He was an exceptional defender with great vision and versatility.

"His determination to support his team and ability to play under pressure coupled with his undoubted skill brought great success to the teams he played in."

Responding to the news of his tragic death, Olympic hockey silver medallist Mel Clewlow, who is director of sport at the University of Kent, added: "Incredibly tragic [news] which has rocked the club, with some very tough times ahead for those who knew him and his family well.

"Remember what you see on the outside may not be a true reflection on the inside."

Littlebourne Cricket Club has also posted a tribute, saying: "On behalf of our members, the committee of Littlebourne Cricket Club wish to send its deepest sympathies to Chris' parents Sean and Steph, his family, friends and Canterbury Hockey Club community.

"We stand beside you in mourning Chris’ loss, a wonderful and gifted young man. Please know that he will be truly missed, and never forgotten. May he rest in peace."

An inquest into Chris's death on October 30 was opened in Maidstone on Monday and heard he had left a note on his bed.

The inquiry was adjourned for a full hearing to take place on January 23, 2023.

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123.