A DAD-of-three described as “the life and soul of the party” suffered a seizure and plunged to his death a day before his 37th birthday.

Jason ‘Chinny’ Mitchell died on Tuesday morning after suffering an epileptic fit and falling from a first floor window at his home.

His heartbroken widow yesterday paid tribute to her “wonderful husband” who she also described as a “brilliant dad.”

Last night almost 500 of Jason’s family and friends had joined a group set up on a Facebook website in memory of the football fan.

Those who knew the popular family man are now being urged to attend a special celebration of his life at one of his favourite pubs.

Jason, of Burrans Meadow, in Colne, suffered from epilepsy all his life, but managed to keep it under control until just over two years ago.

The condition worsened following an accident in which he suffered head injuries and was left in a coma for around two weeks.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is to be carried out by the coroner’s office.

Jason’s wife Angela, said she first met the former Primet High School pupil in a nightclub in Nelson 17 years ago.

She already had a daughter, Jodie, who is now 17, when they got together, but said Jason had brought her up “as his own”.

The pair later had two other children, Jake, 13, and Hallie, three.

Despite separating around two-years ago, Angela said they had remained “best friends” and were talking about a reconciliation.

They had just returned from a family holiday in Wales days before Jason’s death, which she said came as a “real shock.”

Angela said: “Jason had asked me about getting back together and we were taking things slowly, but were still very close.

“I only live round the corner from his flat and would see him three or four times a week and he would often cook for me.

“He loved playing with the kids and couldn’t do enough for them.”

As well as liking rave music and nights out, Angela said Jason was also a passionate football fan, who followed Burnley and Liverpool FC.”

Alex Kennedy, 53, said he first met Jason when he moved into the flat above his around two-and-a-half-years ago.

He said: “When somebody dies people always say how nice they were but he really was the life and soul of everything.

“He was like a son to me. He gave me a key to his flat so if he ever felt an episode coming on I could help.

“His mother and stepfather have asked me to sit with them at the funeral, that shows how close we were.”

Before his accident, Jason worked in the parks department at Pendle Council.

His condition afterwards however meant that he was unable to work but he still regularly enjoyed nights out in pubs around Colne and further afield.

A celebration of Jason’s life will take place in The Shepherd’s Arms, in Church Street, Colne, on Saturday.

Those who attend are being asked to dress in ‘rave gear’ type clothing and men are being urged to shave their heads as a form of tribute.

Jason also leaves behind mother Sandra and sister Alison.