A TOP celebrity television producer from Bournemouth died suddenly in a Florida hotel after desperately trying to counteract the effects of a stomach bug.

Former Portchester School boy Stephen Vickerstaff was found in his Miami hotel room by colleagues the day after he had complained of stomach pains.

The 28-year-old Bournemouth University graduate, who had worked with Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue, was a diabetic and his family believe he did not realise the danger this put him in following a bout of sickness and diarrhoea.

Stephen's funeral is due to be held in Bournemouth September 14, and is expected to be attended by former work colleagues from the BBC and those from his most recent job at MTV Europe.

Stephen's older brother David said he was in Miami to attend the MTV Awards as a reward for his hard work in recent months and was representing MTV Europe.

"He was just there to enjoy himself, not to work," said David, who lives locally with his other brother and parents.

"He was okay the first few days but on the Sunday started complaining of pains in his stomach. When the limousine arrived to take him to the ceremony he told the others he wanted to stay in his hotel room and sort himself out. He was found the next day on August 30.

"The police didn't touch a thing and when I arrived a few days later and saw the room, it was full of empty Coke, milk and Lucozade bottles and biscuit wrappers.

"Stephen was obviously trying to do what he thought was the right thing - trying to get sugar back into his body as quickly as possible.

"He didn't realise the danger he was in with his type A diabetes. This is such a tragic accident and we are all completely devastated."

Florida police have concluded that Stephen died from natural causes.

After graduating from Bournemouth University's media production course, Stephen went to work for children's television at the BBC and was soon promoted to assistant producer on Blue Peter.

After that he started at MTV Europe producing the live TRL show. It was in this role that Stephen worked with celebrities including Will Smith, Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue.

Head of media at Bournemouth University, Chris Wensley, said: "We remember Steve as an enthusiastic and creative student who lived life to the full and was a pleasure to teach.

"We have followed his career at the BBC and MTV and knew what a talented programme maker he had become.

"His death is a great shock to all who knew him and he will be sadly missed."

Stephen's funeral is being held at St Michael's Church, on Poole Hill, at noon. The family has requested family flowers only but others are invited to make donations to Diabetes UK.

First published: September 13