Family in shock after 'healthy and bubbly' man, 21, dies two weeks after catching Covid

Paul Stubbings (right, with his partner Rose Benton)
Paul Stubbings (right, with his partner Rose Benton)

Friends and family have been left shocked after a "healthy and bubbly" 21-year-old man died just two weeks after he caught Covid.

Paul Stubbings passed away on Monday after spending a fortnight battling the virus at Colchester Hospital, Essex.

The popular pub chef leaves behind his girlfriend Rose Benton, 19 - the couple were approaching their two year anniversary.

Paul, from Colchester, Essex, had no underlying health conditions.

It's not clear whether he was vaccinated against Covid.

Best friend William Adams, 21, said: "He was healthy so it's really scary.

“He managed to fight for two weeks then he just couldn’t any longer.

“If someone like Paul with no health conditions can get Covid and pass away then anyone can.

“It is so, so worrying.”

Paul loved car meet-ups and was in a long-term relationship with partner Rose, who William said was left heartbroken by his death.

William said: “It was coming up to their two year anniversary.

“She was his first proper girlfriend and he was such a gentleman.

“He really loved her. She is absolutely devastated.”

William added: “Paul was a very much-loved pillar of the community.

“He was a bubbly person and he would go into any room and he’d light it up.

“He had an infectious laugh and he always knew how to brighten up your day. He was my best friend and like a brother to me.

“Everyone loved him and he really was one of a kind. It should not have happened.”

William has set up a fundraiser for Paul’s family, hoping to raise at least £4,000 to cover the costs of the funeral.

Donate at gofundme.com/f/help-to-raise-funds-for-pauls-send-off.

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