Heavy D's manager says lockdown was 'tough' on star's mental health before he died 'so young'
Heavy D's manager believed he had struggled with his mental health while gyms have been closed during lockdown as he had started boxing training
Heavy D's manager has paid tribute to him after the TV star died at the age of 47.
Matt Fiddes said he believed Heavy D, whose real name was Colin Newell, had struggled with his mental health while gyms have been closed during lockdown.
He said Heavy D was "on a real mission" to improve his health and had started boxing and took on a healthy diet, so would have been devastated when he could no longer train.
Taking to his Instagram account to share a string of pictures of himself with the Celebrity Big Brother star, Matt wrote: "Gutted to hear my former client and friend @heavydboom (Colin Newell) best known for his appearance in #celebritybigbrother and #storagehunters has died so young.
"He was on a real mission to improve his health and was making amazing progress. Getting into boxing and eating clean. And training so hard. "I would imagine the closure of gyms and fitness facilities was tough on him for his physical and mental health.
"He lived for the progress he was making and his fight nights.
"Such a pleasure to be with and so nice to all my instructors and students. He always took the time out to greet them all.
"Totally shocked! One of the funniest men I have ever known and a pleasure to train and try and keep on track. Which was not easy at times!!
"#RIP my friend."
Heavy D passed away this week after "going missing" for a fortnight, Mirror Online understands.
His brother Patrick Newell confirmed the sad news, saying he'd been desperately searching for Colin for two weeks before his death.
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