Dubai:  A British man who committed suicide was in mourning over the death of his former girlfriend, a friend has said.

Ryan Guest, 24, fell to his death after jumping from a balcony in Jumeirah Beach Residence two weeks ago.

Guest's former girlfriend, Claire Cordon, died on June 25 after a car accident in the UK.

A friend and a former colleague, who wishes to remain anonymous, said that Guest did not usually drink excessively when socialising, was not a violent or aggressive character and was culturally well adjusted having good friends of different origins and religions.

Guest and his current girlfriend were said to have been drinking in a bar on the night of the occurrence.

"I worked with Ryan in Dubai, an experience I very much enjoyed. Ryan was a very keen, intelligent and talented geologist. He was an outgoing character; he enjoyed life and enjoyed spending the money he had worked hard for. He was always generous and thoughtful to others. I remember him regularly buying ridiculously large amounts of chocolate, crisps and soft drink to share with everyone. ...

"Ryan achieved a great deal in his life and lived it to the full. He was, however, just starting out in life and still had a great deal to offer the world. His tragic death came as an immense shock to everyone who knew him and he will be dearly missed by all," the friend said.

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Guest worked as a micropalaeontologist in the UK and on North Sea oil rigs before moving to Dubai as a well-site geologist or oil engineer in 2007.

He was an active and popular member of the British community in Dubai, enjoying football, swimming, and hiking, as well as travelling.

His girlfriend is said to be devastated by his death.