A crowd turned out on Friday to say farewell to a devoted dad and popular rapper who died at the age of just 29.
Karl Cottingham, aka local musical legend MC Triken, was found dead in bed at his North Shields home by his partner Annie Thomson, last month.
"Happy", "funny" and "bubbly" Karl doted on three-year-old daughter Rosie and was well-loved in his home town.
Read more: Go here for the latest breaking news from North Shields
On Friday, his loved ones gathered at Preston Cemetery in North Shields to say goodbye.
Several mourners wore t-shirts with images of the popular MC's face on them.
The former locksmith was hospitalised after contracting Covid around two months ago, although the cause of his death, on August 29, is not known.
Following his discharge he had continued to suffer from breathing problems,
Mourners, who were asked to dress in black and white in tribute to Karl's love for Newcastle United, shared their memories of Karl, of whom Annie said: "He was very very popular. He was so happy, and very funny and bubbly, everyone he saw would get a cuddle."
Friend and fellow MC Genno Davidson, aka MC Genno D, has described Karl as a "North East legend".
The 31-year-old said: "Me and him did that video back in 2008 and no one had done anything like that so that video went viral. He used to say "sound sound wicked MC", most of the North East will think of Triken- Genno D when they hear them words.
"He will always be a North East Legend for those videos alone. He will be a huge miss."
Meanwhile, £3,000 has been donated to a GoFundMe page set-up to support his family.
Emma Seales, who organised the fundraising, wrote on the page: "Karl was a much loved lad from North Shields who sadly passed away in his sleep.
"Karl, also known by many as MC Triken, was a soft, genuine loyal lad who had many friends from all different areas.
"Triken had a lovely little family - his girlfriend Annie and their beautiful little girl Rosie who he adored.
"Triken loved to be out with his pals and having a few pints but also loved to have a bottle of Bella or bottle of Red Rose. He was the life and soul of the party and everyone enjoyed his company and the laughs they had with him."
For the latest local news in your area direct to your inbox every day, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
