Tributes have been pouring in for an "inspiring" teacher who died after reportedly being hit by a car in Barbados.
Max Weedon, 50 taught at Bath College, where he was involved in running its BA1 Records label and helped launch the careers of several aspiring musicians like Gabrielle Aplin and Lascel Wood, reports Somerset Live.
Mr Weedon later worked as a scuba diving instructor on the Caribbean island, where he passed away last week.
The Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation reported on Sunday (January 8) that the much-loved teacher had been killed in a road accident near his home in Weston, St James, on the previous evening.
Messages of tribute and condolence have been flooding in since news broke of his death.
Andy Wrintmore, former Mayor of Frome and SickOnes drummer, described his old music teacher as "inspiring" and "vibrating with energy".
He wrote: "I can say with 100 per cent certainty that the fork in the road he presented me with when he adamantly insisted that I join City of Bath college led to two paths. One had an abundance of friendship, worldly experience, growth, knowledge, inspiration and time to work on my craft…. The other, something very different.
"I’ve recorded, toured in multiple countries, played with heroes and heard my music on radio stations far and wide. This brought me adventure, confidence, fulfilment and some courage. All because Max slid a pen and paper across a desk to me when I was only there to support a friend.
"Max was vibrating with energy, motivation and enthusiasm. He was a go-getter, adventurer, risk taker, cheerleader, ball buster, maverick and champion of young musicians, a rebel who knew the fine print."
Bath College also paid tribute to Mr Weedon.
A spokesman said: "Staff and governors were saddened to hear about the death of Max Weedon a few days ago.
"Max was a well-respected lecturer in the Music Department who worked at the College for approximately six years. Our thoughts are with his family at friends."
Mr Weedon helped launched the careers of BBC Radio One DJ Julio Bashmore, singer Gabrielle Aplin and two-time X Factor contestant Lascel Wood.
He believed the success of the music programme was down to giving students industry experience, setting up local gigs and letting them record their own music.
He chose to move on in 2012, accepting a post as section manager at Newcastle College.
Lascel Wood was among those who paid tribute to the teacher.
He wrote: "Can’t believe I’m actually writing this. Max Weedon, I have no words honestly your support to me and everyone else around you was limitless, but your belief in me and my art always use to spur me on to believe in myself so I thank you for that. Rest easy man. We love you."
Mary Huang, a Texan woman who took scuba-diving lessons from Max, also remembered him fondly. She described him as "an excellent, super friendly but very responsible instructor" who travelled to Barbados seasonally.
