Police have named the man stabbed and killed in a nightclub in Walsall on Saturday morning as they continue to hunt a killer.
Akeem Francis-Kerr died after he was attacked at Valesha's nightclub in Walsall just after 5am yesterday.
His family said: "The universe has lost one of the greatest of men and his unmatched energy, mindset and love will forever live on."
Akeem was pronounced dead at around 6am on his way to hospital and a police manhunt is now underway.
Detective Inspector Ade George, leading the investigation, said: "Our thoughts are with Akeem’s family and friends as they come to terms with this terrible loss.
"We continue to urge people to come forward with information, a man has died and his family have the right to know what happened to him."
Police are now monitoring CCTV of the nightclub in the hunt for Akeem's killer and Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby asked the killer to hand themselves in because "we're going to catch you."
Friend Morgan Williams said the man people also knew as 'Keemz' was "respectful" and the "funniest, smartest boy."
She told the Mirror: "I first met seems when I was working at a house of silk event in Birmingham. I recently moved to the area and literally knew no one.
"His approach was so respectful and we laughed the whole night. Literally became the best of friends from there."
Morgan said the awful news "tore me apart."
She added: "This is someone I thought would be in my life forever. We spoke a week ago about me going to university in Coventry so getting to be around more often.
"He was the funniest smartest boy I ever came around across and he never deserved this."
One anonymous witness told Birmingham Live that there were people "screaming" and "crying" near when the stricken man was lying inside the club.
They said: "There was a scuffle or fight in the club. I've gone out the front and the guy has got blood on his face. The guy was lying in the doorway.
"An argument started between a couple of people. The next minute there was a bit of a scuffle. The bouncers were on it. It looked like they were fighting."
DI George said yesterday: "The events this morning are tragic and shocking, a man has sadly lost his life and we'll be offering as much support as we can to his family during this deeply distressing time. Our priority is catching those responsible."
A webpage has been set up where members of the public can send relevant information, photos and videos: here.
The policeman continued: "While we’ve spoken to a number of people who were inside the club at the time, we still need to hear from anyone who was there and who saw, or may have filmed, what happened."
