Loving tributes have been paid to a talented musician who died in a city beauty spot at the age of 23.

Tyrone Ward was found dead in Mousehold Heath earlier this year following a lengthy struggle with mental ill-health.

Following his funeral - at which his own music was played to a packed procession - his mother Maria has paid a touching tribute to the hard-working youngster.

She said: "He was a child that we never had to worry about - he was hard-working, super intelligent and always did really well in school.

"He went to Wellesley First School before it became Lionwood and won a competition to design the school's logo, so that will always be a little reminder of him."

Mr Ward, who was the third of six children, went on to develop a strong work ethic after finishing school, continuing his studies while earning.

Eastern Daily Press: Tributes to talented Norwich musician, 23, who 'loved to work hard' Tributes to talented Norwich musician, 23, who 'loved to work hard' (Image: Maria Ward)

He studied a construction course at St-Eds in Oak Street before going on to take a course at Access to Music in King Street.

He also worked several jobs throughout this time, including at Lotus, Vodafone, the Pheonix Medical Centre and behind the bar at the Compleat Angler.

Mrs Ward added: "He loved to work hard, but the thing he loved the most was his family.

"His younger siblings all looked up to him so much because of his jobs and his older brother and sister loved him as a little brother.

"He would constantly spend time with them, whether it was giving them lifts or just hanging out in their rooms. Family was first for him.

"He was the serious one of the siblings. He always wanted to be the one that was there for his brothers and sisters and always put their happiness ahead of his own."

But it was through his music that Mr Ward found his main creative outlet, recording songs under the name of Ty.

Mrs Ward said: "He would make all of his own beats and used to record his songs in the back of his car before putting it on Soundcloud - don't ask me how he did it.

"He used to write rap music and I always used to tell him off for it being too sweary. It wasn't really my thing but he loved it.

"I think the music and the talent are what he would want to be remembered for the most."

Eastern Daily Press: Tyrone Ward, who died at the age of 23 in Norwich Tyrone Ward, who died at the age of 23 in Norwich (Image: Maria Ward)

Mr Ward, who died on Thursday, April 27, was put to rest at Earlham Crematorium last week, with more than 100 people attending his send-off.

Three of his own songs were used as part of the service, as the building was left with standing room only.

"Hearing the songs at his funeral was really emotional because it was hearing his voice again," Mrs Ward said.

"It was a really lovely ceremony which meant a lot to us all, but we would much rather have him back than that experience.

"Nothing can prepare you for the feeling of losing a child. His bedroom still smells like him.

"It is not just me losing a child though, my husband has lost his son, his siblings have lost a brother and my grandchildren have lost an uncle.

"We will never be the same without him."

He leaves five siblings - Chelsea, 26, Troy, 24, Logan, 20, Mackenzie, 18 and Freya, 11.

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