A woman has paid tribute to her loving brother as she waits for answers over his mysterious death.
Richie Kilbourne, 36, was found dead inside his North Shields home on Friday morning.
His death is being treated as "unexplained" by police, ChronicleLive reports.
And as the investigation continues Richie's sister, Sarah Hoggarth, has paid tribute to her big brother as she tells of her desperation to discover what happened to him.
The 33-year-old said: "He was just an amazing person to everyone.
"I couldn't ask for a better big brother. The whole family is heartbroken.
"We never thought we would lose him this young, we are broken. My family is in bits. We just want answers and we can't get any."
Emergency services were called to the home, on Howdon Road, at around 10am on Friday.
Richie was found inside and pronounced dead at the scene.
Today the flat, which has one window boarded up, remains cordoned off with police tape, while police officers stand guard outside.
Detectives are also at the scene speaking to people in the area.
Sarah, who lives in Percy Main, found out what had happened to her brother when a neighbour called her.
And she spent today waiting at the scene hoping to find out more.
"I just got a phone call to say he passed away and then I came here," she said.
"I just came down because I wanted to get some answers. He has had a post mortem and we are just waiting for results. We can't go and see him and we can't say goodbye to him."
Richie was a devoted dad to his three daughters and two grandchildren, Sarah explained.
Despite having the flat in North Shields, Richie spent a lot of time staying with his mum, Chantelle Hoggarth, in the East Howdon area of Wallsend.
His beloved Staffordshire bull terrier, Riley, also lived there.
But Sarah said her brother was a familiar face around North Shields.
She said: "He sat on his doorstep and spoke to everyone who went past, that was the sort of person he was. He was a family orientated person and he looked after us. He was just lush. Everybody loved him."
A Northumbria Police spokesman said the investigation into Richie's death was continuing, and officers are appealing for information.
“Shortly after 10am on Friday officers received a report of concern for the welfare of a male inside an address on Howdon Road, North Shields," he said.
“Emergency services attended and found an unresponsive male in his 30s who was confirmed as deceased. His family have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers.
“An investigation has been launched into the man’s death, which is currently being treated as unexplained.
“Officers remain at the scene and are carrying out enquiries. Anyone with information is asked to contact police."
Chantelle, 57, has now set-up a GoFundMe page to help pay for her son's funeral.
On it she wrote: "On September 3 my son suddenly passed away. As you all know Richard was a loving kind person had a heart of gold, would do anything for anybody and always been there for everyone.
"We would appreciate it if anyone could help us at this sad time we will be grateful for anything."
Anyone with any information should Call Northumbria Police on 101 quoting log NP-20210903-0245.
