GRIEVING family and friends have paid tribute to a talented student who has died at the age of 23.

Former St Augustine's and Carmel College pupil Steven Powell (pictured below) died in Leeds General Hospital after suffering a brain haemmorhage.

Originally from Birstall Avenue, Blackbrook -- where his parents Vi and Mike still live -- Steven was studying for a Masters degree in architecture at Leeds University.

Vi told the Star: "We are still trying to take it in at the moment. We last saw Steven over Christmas before he and his girlfriend, Lyndsey went to visit her parents in Newcastle and then on to Edinburgh for the New Year.

"Steven had never complained of feeling ill at any time but we got a call from Lyndsey on Friday, January 12 to say that he had collapsed after developing a bad headache."

Mike and Vi -- who also have two daughters, Joanne, 29, and Sarah, 25 -- immediately drove over to Leeds. Said Mike: "When we got to the hospital we realised how serious it was when the doctors told us they thought he had suffered from internal bleeding in his brain."

Steven underwent a five-hour operation and was then moved to intensive care in a drug-induced coma to rest his brain. Tragically, he never regained consciousness and died four days later.

Mike added: "The staff in the intensive care unit were wonderful and I would like to thank them for their care. But we just can't believe Steven is dead, it's such a waste. He was very bright, he achieved a First in his degree in architecture, having got straight As in all his A levels and GCSEs."

Said Vi: "Steven was such a happy person and nothing ever seemed to worry him. Even though, as a student, he never had much money, he didn't complain and he was determined to succeed as an architect.

"I also feel terrible for Lyndsey. Steven thought the world of her. They had lived together for three years and were very close."

And Peter Rushton, principal at Carmel College, said: "The college community heard of Steven's sudden and tragic death with great sadness. He did very well in his four A levels and all of Steven's tutors have commented on his great ability, his pleasant and approachable manner and the very positive contribution he made to life at Carmel.

"Stephen will remain in our thoughts and prayers."

A funeral service for Steven was held at St Mary's Church, Blackbrook.