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A widow has paid tribute to her "soul mate" who died after he tested positive for coronavirus.

Father-of-two Nick Matthews, 59, passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning (March 14).

North Somerset Council and University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust confirmed the death of a man in his fifties with underlying health conditions today (Sunday, March 15).

The Nailsea resident had tested positive for COVID-19 and had underlying health conditions. He was being cared for at Bristol Royal Infirmary.

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Mary Matthews shared a moving tribute on social media to her "soul mate" and "best friend" yesterday.

She posted: "Today at 3am I lost my life partner and soul mate but most of all my best friend.

"Charlotte, Ben and I are beyond proud to have had such a big character in our lives.

"As a family we are still currently in isolation until the coronavirus test results come back.

"Someone will post again when we have more information.

"In the meantime, I know some of you would like to visit, but please for you and your families safety, stay away until we get the all clear."

Did you know the person who has died? Did you know Nick Matthews? Would you like to share a tribute or a memory of him? Get in touch: michael.taylor@reachplc.com, tweet @JournoMikeT or call 07790590652.

Mrs Matthews shared his picture with a local Facebook page in the hope people may recognise him, know if they have been in recent contact with him, and choose to self-isolate.

Speaking to Nailsea People, Mrs Matthews said: "People who may have come into contact with either Nick or me during the past two weeks need to self-isolate and get advice.

"Although he tested positive, until a post-mortem examination, we can't say that was cause of death at the moment.

"I don't want to panic people, but I do want people to take extra precautions."

(Image: Bristol Post)

Mary and Nick had recently returned from a holiday in Fuerteventura. The Canary Islands on Friday, March 13, had recorded 63 active cases of coronavirus.

Councillor Don Davies, leader of North Somerset Council, offered his condolences on behalf of the local authority.

He said: "We are so sorry to hear this news and our heartfelt condolences are with the family and all who knew him as they come to terms with their loss.

"I understand that the family have requested privacy at this difficult time and I ask that everyone respects their wishes.

"I am sure the news will be met with sadness in the wider community and it is important that everyone remains calm and follows the latest national advice on the steps needed to reduce the spread of infection.

"The situation regarding coronavirus is changing rapidly and we must work together as a community to protect ourselves and those around us.

"We will all need to adapt to different day to day behaviours over the coming days and weeks and it is essential that we support each other as we do so."