Family cherish memories of ‘kind, caring, loving’ son

Former Queen Elizabeth School pupil Tom Hardy, 22, from Standen Park House, Lancaster, was believed to have been having a leaving party with friends at Arnside Park, Carnforth, before a trip to Cambodia.

Police said he was found lying amongst rocks on the beach and was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family said: “We are totally devastated that Tom has been taken from us.

“Tom was an incredibly positive, kind and caring young man who brought so much happiness and love to all those he knew and met.

“He was a very much loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin to his family. Tom was also very much loved by his girlfriend and family and his many true friends who knew what a compassionate, loving and truly inspirational young man he was.

“Tom had a great love of life and his humour and bright outlook on life always lifted people around him. Tom had worked tirelessly for the last two years, saving to travel with close friends and teach overseas, a trip he was to undertake very soon.

“Sadly Tom was not able to enjoy all he had worked towards and deserved so richly.

“We are immensely proud of Tom and we cherish the memories we have of him.

“He will forever be remembered, so very much loved and missed for the rest of our lives.”

Tom also worked at Lancaster Breweryfor almost two years and the Park Hotel in Lancaster.

Lancaster Brewery manager Tracy Robinson said: “Tom was a fantastic employee and one which I was very proud and honoured to have.

“As senior supervisor at the brewery Tom brought his happy, enthusiastic, loveable, cheeky chap character to work and lifted the team daily.

“His passion for real ale and working with the general public made him dedicated and hard working.

“His customer feedback spoke volumes of how he would take the time to explain in depth each stage of the brewing process, his brewery tours were fun and informative and had a personal touch.

“He was very happy and a well-loved member of our team and will be sadly missed.

“We have great memories of Tom that will last forever.

A statement from Queen Elizabeth School in Kirkby Lonsdale, where Mr Hardy had previously been a pupil, said: “We are very saddened to hear of the death of Tom. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Police said the 22-year-old was discovered on the beach at Arnside Park in the early hours of Sunday, August 31.

North West Ambulance Service said they were called to the scene at 3.08am on August 31, to reports a man in his 20s was having a cardiac arrest.He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said they were still investigating the death.