Megan Newton Stoke flat death: Tributes to football coach
- Published
Megan Newton's family said they were 'struggling' after learning of her death
The family of an 18-year-old found dead in a flat has described her as a "precious" young woman "in the prime of her life".
Megan Newton was found at the property in Fletcher Road, Stoke-on-Trent, on Saturday afternoon.
Her family said she loved sport and taught football to young children.
Joseph Trevor, from Trentham and also 18, appeared before magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre earlier accused of her murder.
He was remanded in custody and is due before crown court judges on Thursday.
In a statement, her family said Ms Newton was studying sport at college while also working three jobs.
She enjoyed playing football and worked as an assistant coach to children under the age of seven at weekends, they added.
Ms Newton's body was discovered by emergency services on Saturday afternoon
"We were all behind her every step of the way and would have done anything for her," they said.
"She was a young woman in the prime of life, so precious and loving and such a big part of our lives. We just adored her.
"Family meant everything to Meg and we're all struggling with what's happened. It just doesn't feel real."
Floral tributes to Megan Newton have been left outside the flat on Fletcher Road
A fundraising page for Ms Newton's funeral costs has raised more than £2,000 since Saturday.
It was set up by Ricardo Eccles, who paid tribute to his "beautiful best friend".
A minute's applause was held at Monday's match between Stoke City FC and Norwich City in tribute to Ms Newton.
Friends and family are expected to gather at Hanford Park in the city on Friday to release balloons in her memory.
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