'He had the world at his feet': Tributes paid as three generations of Black Country family killed in Tunisia terror attack at beach resort of Sousse

Adrian Evans worked for Sandwell Council's gas management department.

Joel Richards, the 19-year-old nephew of Mr Evans was also killed in the attack.

It is believed that Mr Evans' father and Mr Richards' grandfather, Patrick Evans, was also killed.

The University of Worcester student was on holiday with his uncle and other family members.

Mr Richard's brother Owen was also on the beach at the time of the shooting.

A JustGiving page has been set up by the Darren Wright Foundation - a charity which helps children with disability or life limiting illness - with the aim of raising £500 for Owen Richards, who reportedly helped an injured woman, despite seeing his brother, uncle, and grandfather murdered.

A council source said Mr Evans had worked for the council for 32 years, and both were fans of Walsall Football Club.

The source said Mr Evans was on his first day of a holiday in Tunisia. He was due to spend seven days in the African country before a week's stay in France.

The source said: "When I heard about it I was very sickened. To have someone so close to you lost in such a way is terrible.

"He was a committed man who gave good service to the people of Sandwell."

Sandwell Council leader, Councillor Darren Cooper, added: "We are very sad to hear that one of our employees has been killed in the terrorist attack in Tunisia.

"Adrian Evans was a very popular and long-serving employee, who was manager of our Gas Services Team.

"We are absolutely devastated for Adrian's family, friends and colleagues and our thoughts are with them and all those affected by this tragedy."

Joel Richards was a keen local referee. A statement from Birmingham County FA said: "Joel was an active member of the Birmingham County FA Youth Council.

"A young, talented referee with the world at his feet, he was highly thought of and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this tragic time."

Mr Richards was also a student at the University of Worcester. The university's vice chancellor and chief executive, Professor David Green said: "It is with enormous sadness that we have learned, through media reports, of the murder of our student Joel Richards in the terrible terrorist attack in Tunisia. We are, of course, seeking official confirmation of this news. Our whole university community has been shocked by these tragic reports.

"At Worcester Joel has shown himself to be a highly intelligent, talented young man and an all-round outstanding person with a truly bright future ahead. Since joining the University, he has become very popular with his fellow students, team mates and with the many staff that have taught him throughout his time with us.

"If these news reports are confirmed then Joel will be deeply missed by us all and on behalf of the University of Worcester I would like to extend the most heartfelt sympathy of our entire University community to Joel's family and friends. Our thoughts are with them and with all the other victims of this horrific attack, their families and loved ones.

"The University will do our best to help students and staff come together and provide the best support we can in these terrible circumstances through our counselling and student support services and in every other way possible."

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help the family of Mr Richards, and in its first 24 hours it has raised almost £1,800.

Birmingham-based Gaelic football club James Connollys GFC also paid tribute to Mr Richards, tweeting: "James Connollys GFC is devastated to learn of the death of one of our players, Joel Richards, during the horrific attack in Tunisia.

"Joel was an exceptionally talented footballer, who represented both club and county with conviction on numerous occasions.

"Details of his funeral arrangements will follow; our thoughts are with his family and friends at this tragic time."

Are you in Tunisia or were you planning on going? Contact newsdesk@expressandstar.co.uk