A fundraiser has been set up to help pay for a funeral of a young man whose life was cut tragically short.

Menelik Mimano, 26, from Beckenham, was found in the River Thames by Canary Wharf on Thursday, July 25, night.

The DJ and actor has been described as "incredibly talented" and a "good-hearted soul".

He was reported missing last week when he ran away from friends after finishing college in the Kings Cross area.

Police were called to Waterloo Bridge on the Tuesday night, July 23, to reports of someone in difficulty.

However, after conducting searches of the water and surrounding areas there was no trace.

His body was found two nights later and Upstairs at the Ritzy, a cultural hub hosting live music in Brixton, has paid tribute to Menelik.

A touching statement read: "We are incredibly sad about the tragic loss of our friend Menelik Mimano (DJ name Hudnall), who put on some of the best parties here and he was a stickler for making the vibe perfect for good people to have a good time.

"He also worked here for a short while not too long ago. He was a genuine, sincere, incredibly talented and a good-hearted soul.

"We promise to remember you and all the joy your brought people."

One member of Upstairs at the Ritzy added to News Shopper: "He was a bit of a special man in the music department and it's hard to put into words the joy and motivation it gave him, and how much joy he wanted others to get from the whole experience.

"He was an important and big part of the wide South London music community."

She continued: "It's like a very large extended family (most of which can be found at Brainchild festival - which he programmed for) - and the whole community are mourning him deeply. He was a memorable part of a lot of people's lives."

At the time of publishing over £500 had been raised for his funeral.

Eva Bor, who started the GoFundMe page, wrote: "Since Menelik’s passing the love that has emanated through and between everyone who knew him has been overwhelming and a sign of the effect he had on us all.

"To give him a send of to match his beauty and light we’re raising money to contribute to his funeral service. This will include food and drink costs, marquee hire, flowers and a plaque.

"All contributions welcome. No amount too large or small."

Another friend told News Shopper Menelik was a "truly exceptional person".

He added in full: "l will always remember Menelik as being straightforward, honest and level-headed. He knew himself, and whether he liked something or not, and when that was case he would have no qualms with confronting it.

"This by no means is to say he was aggressively self-assertive, his personality was actually quite the opposite; he was warm, gentle and extremely kind, and was always approachable. He definitely defied the stereotype that kind people are always push-overs.

"I think this really came across with the nights he put on. He loved music, and his generous nature meant he was really passionate about sharing this love with people.

"At the same time, he had this amazing confidence in his selections, and could never be deterred from making his ideas real. The results of this is in the quality of his nights, and the treasured memories of them shared by his friends and anyone else fortunate to attend."

Menelik has been studying acting at Central Saint Martins before his death.

Anyone struggling with mental health can contact the Samaritans who are available 24 hours a day on 116 123.