A SUPERFIT university student has died after suddenly contracting a severe lung infection.

Alex Nordquist, 24, a student at Dundee University, and member of its snow sports club, died on Sunday evening, having been taken to hospital after falling ill last week.

He had climbed Kilimanjaro earlier this year, and had also competed in qualifying rounds for Winter Olympics as a snowboarder.

His father, Robert Nordquist, has paid tribute to his son in an emotional online post.

He wrote: "My heart screams with pain as I write these words - our big, beautiful, bounding, exuberant Alex has left us.

"He was taken far too soon and we will never be graced by his presence again.

"He experienced multiple organ failure and a severe lung infection, plus reduced blood flow to his brain. In hospital, these conditions, especially the infection in his lungs, only worsened, never improved.

"Alex's exuberant personality, larger-than-life persona, resounding voice that carried any room, wondrous embrace and the way he made you feel better just by being near him, will not be with us again.

"We are so heartbroken; it is a hole that cannot be filled."

Mr Nordquist said his son "wanted to be at the action end of life and would have made a real contribution - if only he had had his chance".

He added: "Something terrible has happened but we were blessed to share him for this too short of a time -- for this we will be eternally grateful."

Alex was studying international relations, and was the social coordinator for the university's ski and snowboard club.

A spokesman for Dundee University said: "We have been deeply saddened by the news of the death of one of our students.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."