EastEnders star suddenly died at just 38 leaving family devastated

The actor who played Asif Mailk in EastEnders tragically passed away at the age of 38. But a web page set up for charity in his memory is still receiving donations, more than three years later.

Ashvin Luximon played Asif, a school friend of Martin Fowler's, on the BBC One soap from September 1999 to October 2003. Asif and Martin (James Alexandrou) were known for getting into trouble around the Square, almost always leaving Martin alone to explain his wrongdoings to his mum, Pauline (Wendy Richard). He went on to have a relationship with Nicky di Marco (Carly Hillman), as well as having a crush on Janine (Charlie Brooks), before passing his A-Levels and leaving Walford for university.

Ashvin also starred on children's TV show Grange Hill and appeared in a promotional video for British Airways, but sadly died of an aneurysm on 23 July, 2022. Health website Mayoclinic.org describes an aneurysm as: "a bulge or ballooning in the wall of a blood vessel. An aneurysm can break open. This is called a rupture. A ruptured aneurysm causes bleeding inside the body. It often leads to death." In more recent news, a man, 30, put shoulder pain down to gym aches, then doctors asked where he'd like to die.

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The talented actor's family paid tribute to him at the time and set up the memorial site where fans could donate to the NSPCC or Andy's Man Club in his honour. "This site is a tribute to Ash, who passed on the 23rd July 2022 due to an aneurysm," they wrote. "Ash's unexpected passing has hit us all hard, but we want to take the time to remember his larger than life spirit."

Ashvin's family added: "He loved and was loved by so many. He sang a mean karaoke tune and had a voice loud enough to hear from space! He brought laughter and the best cuddles. Please use this space to share thoughts, photos and memories. Please be respectful. "As a family we would like to ask anyone who would have made a floral tribute to instead donate to our chosen charities, the NSPCC (Ash was the ultimate Uncle) and Andy's Man Club ( a charity aimed at helping men talk)."

The tribute page has raised £1,573.12, with the latest donation of £25 coming on the sad anniversary of his untimely death, just weeks ago. "Ash sweetheart life is unbearable without you and we miss you desperately," wrote the contributor. "Your big warm hugs and your loud voice are still with use. We love you forever darling."

His funeral service took place at Enfield Crematorium on the morning of 11 August, with the family encouraging attendees not to wear black. Instead, they requested that people wear colourful attire to celebrate the late actor's life "just as he would want us to".

Following the service, mourners gathered at The Cavalier pub in Barnet, where they continued to celebrate his 38 years.

The Enfield-born performer studied at Bowden's Theatre School during his teenage years before moving on to Chase Community School to complete his GCSEs. He subsequently pursued an acting career.

In 2004, audiences discovered that his EastEnders character had settled in Edinburgh and was preparing for marriage.