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Family and friends have paid tribute to a 24-year-old man who was killed after being stabbed 'on the dance floor' of a town centre nightclub.

Ryan Passey was knifed in Chicago Rock Cafe in Stourbridge town centre just before 1am on Sunday morning.

He was rushed to hospital with a chest wound but died shortly after.

Now his friends, family and football club have left heartfelt messages for the young man.

His cousin, Julie Thornton, said: "I remember our Ryan as a lovely lad and this did not deserve to happen."

Steve Reynolds wrote on Facebook: "Devastated and angry about the senseless loss of my little Wolves buddy Ryan Passey.

"Loved this cheeky happy go lucky chappie. My thoughts go out to his family at this sad time. RIP Ryan lad xxx."

Ryan was a former youth team player at Stourbridge FC.

The non-league team became famous last season for reaching the third round of the FA Cup.

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In a statement Stourbridge FC said: "We are shocked and extremely saddened to hear of the death of former Glassboys youth team player Ryan Passey at the age of 24.

"The thoughts of Stourbridge FC are with Ryan's family and friends."

Team Dudley, Dudley College's sports development department where Ryan also played, posted: "Everyone at Team Dudley is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player Ryan Passey.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family at this time. R.I.P Ryan!"

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Josh Homer, who grew up playing football with Ryan, said: "He was one of the nicest people you could meet and you'll struggle to find anyone with a bad word to say about him. He was a genuinely nice lad and he will be missed but never forgotten."

Friend Dom Watson wrote: "Can't believe I'm actually writing this. Fly high bro, spread your wings. As if I was only with you yesterday too definitely gonna be missed. Rest in paradise brother."

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Wolverhampton Sporting Community Football Club added: "We are deeply saddened to hear the news that former Reserve team player Ryan Passey has passed away our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time."

One friend of Ryan's wrote: "RIP taken far too soon such a great guy life so cruel."

Another said: "Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. An evil world we live in."

"Sad to hear a guy I went to school with was stabbed in Stourbridge last night and has lost his life.

"My thoughts are with his family. RIP. Taken before your life could really start," a school friend posted.

A witness said Ryan had been "stabbed while he was on the dance floor".

The man, who did not wish to be named, told Birmingham Mail: "He died in the ambulance on the way to hospital. My mate says you have the odd scuffle but nothing like this.

"It is absolutely shocking."

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A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “Police are investigating a stabbing that took place in the Chicago’s bar in Stourbridge just before 1am this morning (Sunday 6 August).

“A 24-year-old man was taken to hospital with a chest wound, which unfortunately proved to be fatal. A forensic post-mortem is due to take place later today.

“Investigations remain on-going and a police cordon remains in place this morning on the Rye Market in Stourbridge.”

A statement from the nightclub said: "We're devastated by the events of last night, when a customer tragically lost their life and would like to extend our sincere condolences to family and friends at this very sad time.

"We're co-operating fully with the police investigation."

Det Ch Insp Edward Foster said no arrests had yet been made.

He added: "I am appealing for anyone with information to call me on 101 ext 963 3202, quoting log 149 of 6 August.”