TRIBUTES have been paid to “a gentle giant” who tragically died on Monday at the age of 27.

Aiden Hoenigmann captained Ross High RFC on the rugby field and also played for Tranent and Preston Village Cricket Club.

He had a partner, Sarah Mercer, and a seven-year-old son, Oskar.

Aiden’s dad Paul Hoenigmann, mum Fiona Russell and family including siblings Ellis, Kelly and Niven Russell and step-dad Scott Russell were all shocked by the death.

Paul described his son as “a gentle giant” and said his passing was a “freak of nature”.

He told the Courier: “He had that infectious smile, he was friendly, he was caring and he looked out for people.

“He would always put an arm round somebody and he was just a lovely boy.

“He was always unassuming, subtle, and it was in the background. He did not want any praise but could read the room and everybody loved him.”

The former Sanderson’s Wynd Primary School and Ross High School pupil worked as a business analyst for Royal Bank of Scotland.

READ MORE: Tributes paid to Aiden Hoenigmann following tragic death

As well as representing his hometown club on the rugby field, where he played number eight, he also “loved” Celtic FC and would regularly travel with his dad to games.

Aiden, who lived in Tranent, had returned home last Wednesday evening and felt “not himself”.

The following morning, he took unwell; his partner performed CPR before paramedics took over.

He was taken to hospital and placed in a medically induced coma but sadly passed away on Monday.

An autopsy on his heart is due to be carried out and his dad said: “It is a mystery to us all at the moment – there is no reason for it.

“It is not like a rugby injury, a car crash or an event. At the moment, it is just a freak of nature that cannot be explained and it is just so unfair.”

The rugby club took to social media on Monday to pay tribute to Aiden.

They said: “We are so dreadfully sad to let our members and friends know that our club captain, Aiden Hoenigmann, has passed away at the age of only 27.

“An irregular heartbeat starved his brain of oxygen for 45 minutes on Thursday morning and he has been in a coma till this morning.

“The only positive is that multiple donors will benefit from his young, fit and healthy organs.

“Our deepest sympathies and condolences go to Aiden’s partner, family and friends.

“Aiden played throughout our youth section, rising to 1st XV player and club captain – a hard-working player, a harder-working clubperson and captain. He will be missed by everyone associated with Ross High RFC.”

READ MORE: Ross High game postponed following Aiden Hoenigmann's death

Rob Brown, vice-president of rugby at the Tranent club, described Aiden as “an impressive character”.

He told the Courier: “He was the driving force behind our team.

“He was a leader, he was committed, energetic and responsible for keeping the team together in a difficult season.

“Also, he did a lot of stuff way over and above what a captain would be expected to do.

“Last season, without a head coach, he virtually ran the coaching sessions.

“He was quite a remarkable character really, which makes it tougher.”

The cricket club also offered kind words in memory of their former player.

They wrote: “It is hard to forget someone who gave so much to remember.

“Sadly, Aiden passed away [on Monday] morning. The club are devastated by the loss of our 2019 club captain.”

Councillor Lachlan Bruce, who represents the Preston Seton Gosford ward, was among those paying tribute.

He had played alongside Aiden on the cricket field and said: “He was an outstanding young man, a proper leader at a young age.

“He was a great sportsman and it is just a complete tragedy that he has been taken away from his family.

“It is unbelievable.”