By Jamie Wiseman, Tamash Lal and Saul Cooke-Black

TRIBUTES are pouring in for popular teenager Kai Hannis, 18, who passed away on Monday.

Heartfelt messages are being paid to the former Maidenhill School pupil, who lived off Parliament Street, Stroud.

Kai worked at Lye Farm in Uley, which is run by Gary Clift.

Mr Clift was recently the victim of a violent burglary during which he was attacked and left blind in one eye. Kai was his runner and Mr Clift thought of him like a son.

Colleagues at the farm described him as the ‘sunshine’ of the yard.

Nicola Turner-Sterling, who worked with Kai, said: “He was such a happy chappy, always smiling and chatty.

“Kai was amazing with Gary, helped him so much after he got attacked, as he has been in and out of hospital. Gary couldn't have kept his farm going, with baby calves to be fed, without him.

“He was such an amazing young man, we wish he had known how much people had cared for him, perhaps he would have stayed in the world.”

Nicola was speaking on behalf of all the girls who looked after the horses; Lucy Stack, Miranda Turner-Sterling and Simone Campbell.

Pam Wilson, head teacher at Maidenhill School in Stonehouse, said: “We were shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Kai’s death.”

“Kai left Maidenhill in July 2013, but is remembered very fondly by both students and staff.

“He was extremely popular with both his peers and younger students, he always had a smile on his face and was at all times positive and cheerful.

“In his mixed age tutor group Kai was very caring and supportive of younger students.

"As a member of the school rugby team, he was an exceptional sporting role model – reliable, committed and self-motivated.

“He touched a lot of students and was a real asset to our school community. Such a sad loss.”

Friends are gathering to pay their respects at the Globe Inn in Stonehouse on Saturday at 5pm, when lanterns will be let off to celebrate his life.

Meanwhile, dozens of floral tributes have also been left on his beloved Mk2 Volkswagen Golf, which he spent hours modifying.

In a touching sign of solidarity his friends have pledged to group together and finish building the car for him.

Oliver Woods said: "Kai loved his VW Golf which he modified himself. Unfortunately it wasn't finished how he wanted it.

"We all knew what parts he wanted to get to finish it and we are all going to help him finish the car and hopefully bring it to car shows."

Dozens of friends are paying tribute on Facebook.

Thomas Florek wrote: “So today a man who was like a brother to me was lost.

"You were always there for me, we have such good memories and things that I wouldn't fault.

"I love you Kai Hannis hope you’re looking down on all of us, RIP xxx.”

Cousin Nicola Addai said: "I really wish I was able to make your 18th birthday party just to see your face one more time.

"I am going to miss you so much I love you but I know God will be taking care of you."

Friend Molly Gardner told the SNJ: "He was such a genuine and funny guy, and always put smiles on people's faces.

"Another life which has been taken too soon.

"Come as such a shock to read about this, but rest easy mate, you will never be forgotten.

"Your memories will live on."

Kirby Dianne Young said: “I'm utterly shocked, another life taken way too soon! Such a lovely lad, Kai Hannis RIP sweet. Thoughts go out to your family and friends.”

Another wrote: “So many young lives are finishing too soon. RIP Kai Hannis thoughts go out to your family and everyone close to you."

Another said: “Cannot believe what I'm seeing before my eyes. Kai Hannis you are going to be missed by so many.

"Such a genuine and funny guy, always putting smiles on people's faces! Another life which has been taken too soon."

"Come as such a shock to read about this, but rest easy mate, you will never be forgotten! Your memories will live on. Fly high, and shine bright.”

Another wrote: “Kai Hannis was someone that meant a whole lot to so many people. The things we have done together I will never forget, the things we've all done together as a group we will never forget.”

One friend, Kayla Robinson, contacted the SNJ to say: “Another beautiful young soul has left us.

“You only deserve the absolute best. They say that only the good die young, never were words so true.

"May you rest your beautiful soul now mate...shine bright always thinking of you and my thoughts and love go out to your family and close friends during this heart-breaking moment all my love.”

Anyone who would like to pay tribute to Kai is welcome to email tla@stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk