A GYMNAST who died after a mysterious accident has been named.

Thomas Franklin was found unconscious with serious head injuries in the Hinksey Park allotments on Saturday morning.

Mr Franklin’s death has led to an outpouring of grief from friends of the gymnast – who was well-known for taking part in a form of outdoor gymnastics known as calisthenics.

The pursuit sees participants swing around on iron bars and is popular with some groups in Oxford.

A post-mortem examination has shown that the 23-year-old’s injuries were consistent with a fall and his death is not being treated as suspicious.

Now fresh tributes have been paid to the youngster, who used to keep fit at Blackbird Leys Amateur Boxing Club.

The club’s head coach Tony Gibson said Mr Franklin had trained at the club’s home in the estate’s community centre for about three years.

Last night Mr Gibson said: “He was a good lad. He was very popular at the gym. The lads all got on with him. He always came to the gym on a regular basis. He trained hard, really hard.”

The 23-year-old was found in the allotments close to the tennis courts by a park user shortly after 8am on Saturday.

He had head and upper body injuries and police believe he had lain injured in the Abingdon Road park for some hours.

Paramedics took him to the city’s John Radcliffe Hospital but he was later pronounced dead.

The tennis courts and allotments were sealed off while police carried out forensic investigations.

Flowers and a can of energy drink had yesterday been left by mourners around a tree close to the allotments.

One note read: “My amazing Tom. Gonna miss you always and love you forever. Life’s never going to be the same without you. You’ll forever be in my heart”.

Another tribute read: “Tom. We will love you and keep you in our hearts for the rest of our lives. You will never be forgotten.”

Tributes have also been paid on Facebook to the young man, who was originally from Cirencester.

Antony Webb, from Oxford, said on Saturday: “Today I lost one of my best friends. Thomas, going to miss you so much mate. I’Il never forget the good times we had. RIP”

And on Sunday, Headington resident Dan Wood said: “I lost a good friend, Thomas Roy Franklin, yesterday. You had so much energy and lived life to its fullest. I'll miss you mate. Gone way, way too soon.”

Danielle Little said: “Wish we could see your cheeky smile just one more time.”

Friends on the website were also looking for answers over his death.

Gary Yeomans said: “A good mate has unfortunately lost his life and you, my friend, will be greatly missed.”

The case has now been handed over to the Oxfordshire Coroner’s Office and an inquest is expected to be opened this week.