A Battersea DJ found dead in his flat after a suspected ecstasy overdose was facing drug-dealing charges in court this month.
Shawn Francis, 34, died from a brain haemorrhage after allegedly taking about 10 tablets and MDMA, ecstasy’s active ingredient.
The former resident DJ at Boujis nightclub, in Kensington, was found comatose in his flat by his girlfriend on February 3.
On February 9, he was due to appear at Blackfriars Crown Court to answer charges of possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply.
This week friends and fans of the popular DJ posted tributes onto his Facebook page.
One, Angela Marshall, wrote: “Forever in our hearts Shawn, gone but not forgotten. Keep smiling and I am sure you will continue to play sweet music up in heaven.
“Keep rocking, keep entertaining, keep on doing what you do best. May you RIP.”
Sara Svensson added: “You will be missed by so many. Rest in peace Shawn.”
Mr Francis was the son of Jamaican parents and got his break in 1994, at the age of 19, when he played at Ronnie Wood’s 47th birthday.
He stayed friends with Wood’s son, Tyrone, and was asked to DJ at the 21st birthday party of Sir Mick Jagger’s daughter, Lizzie, in 2005.
Recently he played as a regular DJ at Boujis, one of the favourite haunts of Prince Harry and his friends.
Friends said the “charming” DJ had also once got Margaret Thatcher to pose with him in a photograph.
Before he died, he wrote on his website: “I started out playing @ various places (some really grotty joints trust me) over the years but I love it nonetheless.
“Why because DJing has always been my passion and I guess it always will.”
Mr Francis’s mother made the agonising decision to turn off his life support system the same day he was found.
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