AN array of flowers adorn Hammersmith Bridge in memory of an aspiring young model and poet who died in the Thames.
Tributes have been paid to Jayson Jerome, who lived within sight of the bridge in Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith.
He was captured in CCTV footage of the bridge just before 8am on Sunday, March 11, the morning before his 26th birthday.
Lifeguards were immediately sent but there was no trace of him until 24 hours later, when his body was discovered at Chiswick Pier.
Mr Jerome was described as the ‘life and soul’ of most occasions by his former employer, Glenn Elliot, managing director of Bayswater employee benefits company Asperity.
Writing on his blog, Mr Elliot said: “Jayson was the life and soul of many a party. His immense creativity, passion, enthusiasm and quick thinking – and often sharp tongue – made him an intrinsic part of an increasing number of projects and his reach and influence extended far beyond his job on our employee help desk.
“Personally I am so sad for a wonderful life cut short and I am sorry that I will not see the person that Jayson would have become.
“I was looking forward to seeing him blossom and channel his abundant energy into future roles at Asperity – whatever they might have been.”
Friends have also taken to social networking sites to pay their respects.
Writing on Facebook, Gama Gamz said: “When I heard I was so shocked. He was so bubbly, friendly and an all round great person as well as fantastic model, it’s so sad to hear. My condolences go out to his family!! RIP my brudda.”
On Twitter, fellow poet Kemi Taiwo wrote: “RIP Jayson Jerome...Words cannot express the shock and pain I feel...may God rest your soul. You were a beautiful human being inside and out.”
An inquest has been opened and adjourned.
