A close friend of a 21-year-old man who tragically died following a house fire on the Gold Coast says her mate was "getting his life back on track" shortly before his death and was "always there" for those he loved.
Adam Marriott was found dead inside a Coomera townhouse earlier this week and police say they are treating the death as suspicious.
His ex-partner Glen Tipler, 38, who lives at the Leichhardt Street property, is assisting police with their inquiries.
Investigations were continuing after fire crews were called to the address about 10:50pm on Wednesday following reports of smoke.
Close friend and former housemate Anna Fitzpatrick told the ABC Mr Marriott was her "closest and only friend" and had recently started working at a liquor store.
She said she met Mr Marriott in primary school in Wyong, New South Wales, when she was aged nine.
'Always there for you'
Ms Fitzpatrick said Mr Marriott had moved from NSW to the Gold Coast three years ago and helped raise her children.
She said he stopped living with her in 2020.
"He was always there for you when you needed him," she said.
"Adam was in a good spot. He had just gotten a job."
Ms Fitzpatrick said Mr Marriott loved marine life and was "extremely talented".
"Adam was a very caring and kind soul.
"His friends miss him very much and he won't be forgotten."
Suspect assisting police
Police say Mr Tipler, who frequently posts storm-chasing videos online, arrived at a work colleague’s property at Sheldon in the Redlands, with "significant burns" on Wednesday night.
He is currently under police guard in hospital and Detective Acting Inspector Mark Procter has said he is considered a suspect.
Mr Tipler has not been charged over Mr Marriott's death.
It understood he has told police he was trying to stop Mr Marriott committing suicide.
An autopsy is still being conducted to determine the cause of death.
Police said there was no history of violence "at all" between the pair.
Detectives seek information about blue ute
Police are calling on anyone who saw a blue Holden Commodore ute leaving the Leichhardt Street address at 10.50pm on Wednesday night to contact them.
They say they have impounded the vehicle, and believe Mr Tipler was driving it on the evening of the 21-year-old's death.
Anyone with dash camera footage of the vehicle or anyone who "noticed any unusual behaviour" in the area at that time on Wednesday evening is being urged to come forward.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
