Former EastEnders star Ashvin Luximon died on July 23 at the age of 38 from an aneurysm, his family has sadly announced.
On a website set up in his memory, Ashvin's family paid tribute to him as a "loving son, brother and friend" and said his death "hit us all hard". The tribute page is raising money for charities in his honour.
The actor was best known for playing Asif Malik in the BBC soap from 1999 until 2003, appearing in 146 episodes. Alongside his work in EastEnders, he also made appearances in Grange Hill and Hope and Glory and starred in promotional videos for British Airways.
His family and friends held his funeral on Thursday, August 11 at Enfield Crematorium, asking those attending to not wear black as they wanted to celebrate his life, the Mirror reported.
Ashvin's friends and family have so far raised £1,084 for the NSPCC and Andy Man's Club.
The website honouring him reads: "Ash's unexpected passing has hit us all hard, but we want to take the time to remember his larger than life spirit. He loved and was loved by so many. He sang a mean karaoke tune and had a voice loud enough to hear from space! He brought laughter and the best cuddles.
"Please use this space to share thoughts, photos and memories. Please be respectful."
They continued: "As a family we would like to ask anyone who would have made a floral tribute to instead donate to our chosen charities, the NSPCC (Ash was the ultimate Uncle) and Andy's Man Club ( a charity aimed at helping men talk). He loved you xxx."
Former EastEnders star Danny Hatchard shared his sadness over the news, tweeting: "All these young people dying… RIP Ashvin."
While soap fans shared their memories of his time in Walford, with one writing: "So sad to hear this news, watching Ashvin play Asif on Classic right now and he's part of a great time for the show."
Another wrote: "such sad news tht asif frm #eastenders actor ashvin luximon has died @ 38… asif is in the old eps airing nw in the afternoons & i mind him frm wen i was young… wot a shame… rip."
Ashvin's EastEnders character Asif was a school friend of Martin Fowler, with a lot of their storylines revolving in them getting up to mischief together.
While they were both up to no good, if often ended with Martin being caught and Asif having to explain what happened to Martin's stern mother Pauline.
Asif's storylines were also linked with fellow schoolmates Janine Butcher - who he had an unreciprocated crush on - and Nicky di Marco.
He was last seen in Walford in October 2003 after he passed his A-Levels and went to university. The next year it was revealed that he was married and living in Edinburgh, with Martin even going to his stag do off-screen.
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