HUNDREDS of people turned out this morning (Friday) to say a tearful final goodbye to much-loved footballer Ryan Passey who was stabbed to death at Chicago's in Stourbridge.

Relatives and friends crammed into St James’s Church in Wollaston to pay their last respects to the 24-year-old former Stourbridge Football Club youth team player who tragically lost his life after being stabbed in the chest at the town centre bar on August 6.

Stourbridge News:

So popular was the young window cleaner, from Stockwell Avenue in Quarry Bank, who was a current player for Wrens Nest FC in Dudley, that many mourners were left standing outside the village church during the hour-long service which was led by Rev Nick Kaleniuk.

Flowers and football shirts – even a pair of football boots - adorned the walkway to the church where songs and poignant tributes to Ryan left many choking back tears.

Stourbridge News:

Rev Kaleniuk said: "It was a service that brought the whole family and community together."

The church service was followed by a private service at Stourbridge Crematorium and a celebration of Ryan’s life at The Raven pub in Woods Lane, Quarry Bank, afterwards.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Ryan can still do so on an online fundraising page www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ryanpassey.

Kobe Murray, of The Broadway, Dudley, faces trial in January next year over Ryan's death.

The 19-year-old has denied murder and has been remanded in custody.

Chicago's has since been ordered to tighten up its security and safety protocols following the tragedy - and a spokesman for the town centre boozer confirmed the venue would be closed for the day today as a mark of respect for Ryan.

Shops in the Ryemarket also observed a one-minute silence at 11am in honour of Ryan.