Friends and family have paid tribute to an Australian gap year student living in Kent who died suddenly last week.

Jack Ryan was teaching at Dulwich Cranbrook when he reportedly collapsed in the bathroom of his on-site accommodation.

According to the Daily Mail, the 18-year-old was employed at the independent day school as part of the Letz Live gap year programme.

His cause of death is still unknown and his dad Peter is flying to England to find out what happened.

James Peters, who was Jack’s housemaster at his school in Australia, told Daily Mail Australia: "He was one of the loveliest kids we've had come through the school.

“He arrived in Year 11 and within three terms he had made the house his own.

“He was voted in as the house vice-captain for Macarthur Waddy, which is pretty incredible in such a short space of time.

“He was always looking to serve his mates and go above and beyond in the boarding house.”

Jack’s school friends have set up a GoFundMe to bring him home, which has raised more than $41,000, around £21,000.

They said: “On behalf of the boys of Macarthur Waddy, this is a fundraiser for a King’s old boy who has recently passed away.

“Jack was a student at The King’s School who was loved by all, and we aim to assist his parents in bringing him back from overseas, where he was enjoying his time as a Gappie in the UK.”

His mum Kate has thanked those who have donated, adding: “We didn't realise he had touched so many lives.”

“We didn't realise he had touched so many lives...”

His grandad James described him as a “self-assured, honest, confident, loving, kind, loyal, caring man whom so many fortunate individuals came to call a mate”.

Jack was an accomplished cricketer and rugby player who graduated from King's School in Parramatta in Sydney last year.

He had accepted a place at Newcastle University to study teaching following his gap year, but was also considering settling on the Sunshine Coast near his family.

Before boarding at King's, he attended Hunter Valley Grammar School where he played rugby for the Maitland Blacks and for the Northern Suburbs Cricket Club.

The club said: “A true gentleman that inspired so many, on and off the field.

“Jack will always be dearly missed by all that were privileged to have known him...”

“Jack will always be dearly missed by all that were privileged to have known him.”

Maitland Rugby Club added: “One of our family, gone too soon. We are deeply saddened that you are no longer with us but we are all better for you being part of our family.

“On the park Jack shone but more importantly he was one of the best young men off it, always showing his class and being the quality human both his and our family will always be proud of.”

A spokesperson for Letz Live told The Daily Mail it was “devastated to hear of the loss of Jack Ryan, who tragically passed away whilst in the UK”.

They continued: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack’s family and friends during this difficult time and we are providing support to those affected by this tragedy.”