TRIBUTES have poured in for two popular Oxford students who both died in unrelated incidents on Monday.

Sundeep Watts, 18, a first-year at Exeter College, died of bacterial meningitis at the John Radcliffe Hospital, while 19-year-old Harcourt "Olly" Tucker, also a first-year at the college, suffered a suspected heart attack during a hockey match.

Yesterday, friends and colleagues of the two men spoke of their popularity and talent.

Robert Cook, the headteacher of Victoria College in Jersey, where Mr Watts studied before going up to Oxford, described him as "the sort of student that every school would want" and a man with a very bright future ahead of him.

He said: "He was outstanding academically, an outstanding tennis player, a good all-round sportsman and an excellent musician.

"He was hugely popular among students and staff and was one of our prefects. It is hugely tragic."

Hugh Raymond, the tennis manager for the Channel Islands, said that Mr Watts was a very talented player and his death was a massive loss to the sport in Jersey.

He said : "He loved his tennis. He was on the fringes of competing on the county teams and was always there or thereabouts.

"There was not a bad word with him. You get some people on court who are always aggressive, but Sundeep was not like that. He was always there on time and taking part, wanting to help the younger players.

"He will be very hugely missed in the Channel Islands and I am not just saying that. He was liked by all, that was the amazing thing."

On social networking website Facebook, friends of Mr Tucker posted scores of messages on a special group set up in his memory.

Dylan v. d Merwe wrote: "Each and every one of us would have spared a piece of our hearts to keep his going.

"Olly, I will miss you dearly my good friend. Thank you for spending the time you did with us.

"I, and all of us, love you."

Louis Minders said: "Olly... you did more in your short lifetime than many would take several to do."

Andy Reid added: "It's so sad to have someone as talented in every aspect of life as Olly was taken away from us so tragically before he had the chance to realise his full potential.

"It doesn't seem right for the world to no longer have this amazing person living with us."