Stars pay tribute to former Attitude photographer who took his own life

Stars including Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj and Olly Alxander have paid tribute to a talented London photographer who tragically took his own life last week.

Celebrity photographer Matt Irwin, who had previously worked with Attitude on a number of shoots, has been described by his family as “an extraordinary, beautiful man who will be terribly missed”, the Western Daily Press reports.

The 36-year-old had worked with a multitude of stars during his career, who have all voiced their shock and sadness at the news on social media over the last few days.

Sharing a picture of the pair together, rapper Nicki Minaj said: “I just don’t want to believe he’s gone.

“He literally took my pics 3 months ago after I specifically REQUESTED him!!! [sic]

“Always made me so happy on set. Always so loving & sweet & optimistic. This is so surreal. He was just so unbelievably TALENTED!!!! God bless his family. Rest in peace my love. #RIPMattIrwin.”

Years and Years frontman Olly Alexander also shared an emotional tribute to a man he says touched him with his “kindness, warmth, humour and talent,” who “left a lasting impression on him”.

matt, you took this picture of me when i was 19, I was so nervous and shy. afterwards in the interview you asked me -“what does love feel like?”, i said i didn’t know. in the years since i’ve worked with many photographers but i’ve always remembered you and that question. it became something i would often ask myself. when we got to work together again a couple of months ago i was so happy to see you in your short shorts. we didn’t know each other well, but you left a lasting impression on me, like lots of people I was touched by your kindness, warmth, humour and talent. I hope that someday somewhere we will get to have that drink. im sending all my love and support to your family and friends and to you – wherever you are now. X

A photo posted by Olly Alexander (@ollyyears) on May 6, 2016 at 10:46am PDT

Lady Gaga also paid tribute, sharing a picture of a portrait shot Matt had taken and writing: “Matt Irwin you were such a talent. I am devastated. The world will miss u. I will never forget this shoot we did together it was magical.”

Matt Irwin you were such a talent. I am devastated. The world will miss u. I will never forget this shoot together it was magical. #RIPMattIrwin

A photo posted by Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) on May 6, 2016 at 5:43pm PDT

Meanwhile, former X Factor judge Rita Ora wrote: “Matt Irwin, you were always smiling, I’m so lucky to have known you, and shooting so many fun things together. Rest in peace my friend, sending love and healing to the Irwin family.”

So talented. #RIPMattIrwin ❤️

A photo posted by Rita Ora (@ritaora) on May 6, 2016 at 12:32pm PDT

Among his many artistic projects, Matt also collaborated with Attitude on several shoots over the years. His first cover for the magazine was our April 2008 Issue, featuring Shameless star Jody Latham.

JODY NEW

In a statement his family said: “We are tremendously proud of Matt. He pursued his goals with passion, enthusiasm and warm-heartedness.”

“We are devastated that he took his own life. Matt was extremely talented, but he was also kind and generous; an extraordinary, beautiful man who will be terribly missed by us, and by his many friends. Please respect our privacy as we come to terms with our loss.”

If you’re concerned about your own mental health or that of someone else, call the Samaritans free and confidentially on 116 123, or visit samaritans.org for more information.

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