Tributes paid to 23-year-old BAE worker who died after falling down the stairs on work night out

Friends and family members of Michael Tracey, who grew up in Ulverston but moved to Howe Street, Barrow, two years ago, said he would be ‘deeply missed by everyone who knew him.’

It is understood the 23-year-old was on a works night out in Ambleside when he fell down the stairs and suffered a neck injury which caused his heart to stop.

He was then resuscitated and airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital where he died on Saturday.

Mr Tracey, who worked at BAE, leaves behind his mum, Sarah, stepdad David, dad Stephen, stepmum Rachel, an older brother James, a younger sister, Molly and a younger brother, Robert.

Heartfelt tributes from loved ones described him as a ‘happy-go-lucky character’ who will leave ‘a huge hole in all their lives’.

Childhood friend Jesse Powell said: “I feel like you have taken a piece of my heart and soul with you.

“I loved this human more than words can describe. We shared so many amazing memories together, which I am truly grateful for and will cherish for the rest of my life.

“I feel privileged to have grown so much in life with someone as beautiful, selfless, funny and loyal as Tracey was by my side."

Katie Denning, whose one-year-old baby Elijah is Mr Tracey’s godson, said his death would ‘leave a huge hole in her life’.

"I feel so privileged and blessed to have known Michael for 9 years. We have shared so many memories and had some good times.

"He always lit up a room with his bubbly personality and infectious laugh. He always made me smile no matter what, I could never stay mad at him.

"Out of the whole nine years, the past three years have meant the most to me When I found out I’d be a single mum I never imagined how amazing Michael would be.

"Not only did he become my rock, he became a father figure to my little boy and helped me find my feet as a new mum.

"For the past 20 months we saw each other almost every week and he became such a big part of my son's life.

"That’s something that’ll never be forgotten and something I am forever grateful for. Even though he was in my sons life for a short time he has had an influence into making him the child he is today with his cheeky smile and his funny sense of humour.

"Michael helped us in so many ways and always joined in no matter what, from helping me to teach my son to swim, to sitting in a kids soft play centre after a night shift and more recently helping me choose a nursery.

"No matter what we did or how silly it may have made us look to others he was always there, nothing was too much trouble.

"Michael became so much more than my best friend and my sons godfather, he was our family. We are so blessed to have had him in our lives, he’ll be missed everyday but forever loved."

Another friend Emily James added: “Tracey was the type of friend that everyone needed.

“He always lived in the moment and knew how to have a laugh.

"I feel so privileged and blessed to have known Michael for nine years. We have shared so many memories and had some good times.

"He always lit up a room with his bubbly personality and infectious laugh. He always made me smile no matter what, I could never stay mad at him.

"Out of the whole nine years the past three years have meant the most to me when I found out I’d be a single mum I never imagined how amazing Michael would be.

"Not only did he become my rock he became a father figure to my little boy and helped me find my feet as a new mum. For the past 20 months we saw each other almost every week and he became such a big part of my sons life.

"That’s something that’ll never be forgotten and something I am forever grateful for. Even though he was in my sons life for a short time he has had an influence into making him the child he is today with his cheeky smile and his funny sense of humour.

"Michael helped us in so many ways and always joined in no matter what, from helping me to teach my son to swim, to sitting in a kids soft play centre after a night shift and more recently helping me choose a nursery.

"No matter what we did or how silly it may have made us look to others he was always there, nothing was too much trouble. Michael became so much more than my best friend and my sons godfather, he was our family. We are so blessed to have had him in our lives, he’ll be missed everyday but forever loved.

“No matter what personal issues we had going on, he cared deeply for his friends and made sure to check up on us even if we hadn’t had contact for a while.”

Another friend Gemma Short said ‘the sky has gained the brightest star’.

“It’s crazy to think how much joy you brought to my life," she said. "Not even just my life but so many people's.

“I just hope I made as much happiness in your life than you did in mine. So although you are not here in body you will always be here in mind.

“We might have lost a brother but the sky has gained the brightest star."

Fellow friend Jessie Wilson said her ‘heart was broken more than I ever thought it could be’.

“I will miss you more than anything in this world,” she said.

“Thank you for looking after me no matter what, for being there when I needed someone there the most and making me smile when no-one else could, you’ll never know how much I love you."

Sarah Harrison said: “Yesterday I went through the most hurtful and difficult day of my life.

“Having a friend die, especially a close friend, is absolutely heart breaking.

“My heart is literally in pieces right now, but I was lucky enough to say my last goodbyes, no matter how hurtful that was.”

Childhood friend Saul Brolly described him as ‘like a brother’ to him.

He said: “I’ve known you since the first day I moved to Ulverston when I was seven years old, and today, after 16 years, it feels like I’ve lost a not only a great friend but a brother.

“You were like family to me and my brother, it felt like a friendship that would never change, even when we wouldn’t see each other for a while, we’d always be the same with each other.

“I’ll miss all the small things we used to do, and I’m sorry we could never complete all the things we wished we did but I will carry you in my heart and mind forever.”