A 25-year-old man with learning difficulties who took his own life at home had a "heart of gold", his grieving family said.
Much-loved Jon Carney was found by his brother Ryan after he hanged himself at his supported living flat in Wavertree on July 17 last summer.
This afternoon, at Mr Carney's inquest hearing in Kirkdale, his shocked family described him as a "lovable rogue" who was "bubbly" and "kind to everyone he met."
He was one nicknamed "Curly Tots" because of his prominent "afro" hairstyle.
They told the ECHO: "Jon loved a good laugh.
"He was so mild-mannered and if he ever saw anybody upset, he'd be right there with them.
"He was caring and it's not the same without him."
The "vulnerable" south Liverpool man had consumed cocaine and alcohol before his death, which may have had an impact on his thinking, an inquest heard today.
Mr Carney had fresh cuts on his arm where, it appears, he had recently tried to self harm, forensic pathologist Matthew Cieka revealed.
The one-time taekwondo enthusiast played in midfield for Liverpool FC Foundation charity for around ten years, from the age of 11 until he was 21, and went abroad on tours to Spain and Holland with his teammates.
He was once voted the "Most Improved Player" during one successful season.
Mr Carney, whose learning difficulties meant he never had a job, was discovered after his sibling found him hanging at around 12.51pm and telephoned police.
Paramedics rushed to the scene on Botanic Grove and found him lying on the floor of the hallway.
Attempts were made to revive him but they were vain.
Mr Cieka, who performed the post-mortem examination, said Mr Carney was one and a half times over the drink drive limit.
The cause of death was recorded as compression of the neck due to hanging.
Mr Carney's family said the 25-year-old, was taken advantage of by people.
One relative said: "He was almost too kindhearted.
"People took advantage of him, he didn't see any bad in anyone.
"For us to be here, today, it's very hard.
"We don't know why he did this.
"It's so hard to come to terms with."
The Carneys also said they wanted to highlight how there was a widespread problem of a "lack of aftercare" for the family following their loved one's death.
Coroner Andre Rebello recorded a verdict of suicide.
