Tributes to a former Wimbledon schoolboy found dead in St Lucia have been paid by teachers and staff at King’s College School.

Detectives in the Caribbean are investigating the ‘sudden’ and ‘tragic’ death last week of Oliver Gobat, 38, who was a pupil at the school until he left in 1994.

William Brierly, deputy head, was among those to pay tribute. He said Oliver had battled Leukaemia as a youth.

Mr Brierly said: "It is a really tragic story.

"All the teachers and all those who remember him are very sad to hear this news, it is unfair.

"It is such sad circumstances, particularly for someone that has battled through Leukaemia and loses his life from a very different reason.

"It’s very tragic."

A statement from the school in Southside, Wimbledon Common, said: "It is with the greatest sadness that we inform you of the passing of King’s Old Boy, Oliver Gobat.

"Ollie was thought of incredibly highly by all those who remember him.

"Ollie battled Leukaemia in his youth and was a true fighter, liked and respected by pupils and teachers alike.

"This is a terrible loss for the entire King’s community and our thoughts are with Ollie’s family, including his two brothers, Rufus and Adam, who also attended King’s."

Teacher Mark Allen said: "He was the best first team football captain I ever had: Charismatic, intimidating, consistent and a true leader."

It has been widely reported that Mr Gobat was found dead in a burnt out Land Rover on Friday, April 25, on the island where he worked as a property developer.