A “funny” and “family-loving” father-to-be died just months before his first child was born.

Zak Phillips-Towner died at his flat in Worthing in January less than two months before the birth of his daughter.

His family paid tribute to Zak, 28, at an inquest into his death as they continue to raise funds to help support his daughter after his death.

His mother Alexandra Towner said in a statement: “Zak was funny and loved everyone in his family circle.

“Everyone who met him loved him. He loved extreme sports and rock climbing.

Zak Phillips TownerZak Phillips Towner (Image: GoFundMe)

“He was mixed up about becoming a father for the first time. He didn’t like the way the world was beginning to become.”

The inquest, which was held in Horsham on Tuesday, heard how Zak, who grew up in Brighton and went to St Peter’s Primary School, had been with his partner for nearly ten years.

The couple were expecting their first child who was born less than two months after his death.

The inquest heard how on January 6, police officers forced their way into Zak’s flat in Broadwater Street in Worthing, where he was pronounced dead at the scene after being found hanged.

Penelope Schofield, senior coroner for Brighton and Hove and West Sussex, concluded that Zak’s death was a suicide.

In the wake of his death a fundraiser has been set up to raise money to help provide for his daughter.

In a post on GoFundMe, the fundraiser said that all money raised for Zak’s daughter would be left in trust so she could access it when she turns 18.

So far over £3,500 has been raised for the fund.