Family distraught after Brandon Allen, 21, found dead at his home in Kidsgrove

TRIBUTES have been paid to a 21-year-old who was found dead at his home.

Brandon Allen, from Tilstone Close, in Kidsgrove died on Sunday.

He was found by family members after they were forced to break into the semi-detached property where he lived with grandparents Celia and Thomas Allen.

Mrs Allen, aged 72, said: "Brandon was a very quiet lad but we just assumed that it was his age.

"We didn't realise that he had any anxiety issues because he was always so polite and could talk to anyone.

"We thought he was happy in his own world playing on the computer.

"When he was growing up he would have lots of friends and enjoyed hobbies like golf, snooker and fishing."

The former Clough Hall pupil had studied engineering at Stoke-on-Trent college.

He went on to a three-month apprenticeship but dropped out after being told he was under qualified and would have to return to college.

Family members told how Brandon, pictured below in 2007, was often at his happiest staying in the house.

Mrs Allen said: "He was just a normal lad growing up.

"He was a brilliant pool player and would often go fishing with his mates.

"He was exceptionally well liked and no-one had a bad word to say about him.

"If only he had realised how much he will be sorely missed. We will never get over his death."

Brandon, brought up by his grandparents after his mum died, was a skilled poker player and was over the moon when he went on a family holiday to Monte Carlo as a teenager.

His uncle Andrew Allen, aged 46, from Kidsgrove said: "He would always tell me that poker was a game of skill.

"None of us in the family played but he had learned online and was really good.

"When he was on holiday he went into the big casinos and stood behind players who were betting thousands of pounds."

The family told how Brandon had become withdrawn in recent months.

His auntie Jane Allen, aged 44, who also lived at the address said: "He didn't want to go out so we never pushed him.

"We thought he was just a shy lad and he always seemed happy playing on his Xbox."

His grandmother added said: "It has come as a terrible shock to our family because not a single one of us suspected that anything was wrong with Brandon.

"For me and his grandad he was the reason to keep on going.

"He was very much loved and we shall all miss him terribly."

The funeral for Brandon will be held on Thursday, November 1 at St John's Church in Kidsgrove at 12.45pm.

The family are asking for donations to be made to the mental health charity Mind.

His uncle Michael Allen, aged 41, a plasterer from Talke said: "If there is someone out there suffering from depression they just need to speak to one person to get help.

"We found out too late with Brandon but we hope that won't be the case for others."

An inquest into the death was opened and adjourned by coroner Ian Smith. He reported the cause of death as hanging.

Send your tributes to Brandon to tributes@thesentinel.co.uk