Independent MP and prominent lawyer Shawn Crockwell was found dead at his home on Saturday afternoon, stunning his parliamentary colleagues and sparking an avalanche of tributes.

Within three hours of his body’s discovery, police had affirmed there was no suspicion of “foul play”.

Last night, Mark Pettingill, Mr Crockwell’s close friend, released a short statement on behalf of the family: “They wish to thank everyone that has given such an outpouring of love and support in relation to the loss of their beloved son Shawn.

“They would please ask that people not speculate in relation to the cause of death.

“Once the inquiry into the circumstances of his passing are finalised, they will issue a further statement. I would ask that people, at this time, respect their privacy.”

Mr Crockwell had suffered “bouts of ill health” for some time, according to his best friend and business partner Mr Pettingill.

A pivotal figure in Bermuda politics, Mr Crockwell quit Cabinet in March last year, citing his loss of confidence in the One Bermuda Alliance under Michael Dunkley, the Premier.

Less than four months later he left the party altogether, revealing he would take his place in the House of the Assembly as an independent. In March this year, he was joined by Mr Pettingill, who also left the OBA and stated he, too, would stand as an independent.

Last month, when Progressive Labour Party leader David Burt announced he would propose a vote of no confidence in Parliament — due to take part last Friday — Mr Crockwell told The Royal Gazette that he would vote against his former party, potentially tipping the balance of power.

That vote was staved off by the Premier, who called a General Election for July 18, resulting in the dissolution of Parliament.

In a rare show of unity, the OBA and PLP have suspended election campaigning for 48 hours.

Mr Pettingill was one of the first visitors to Mr Crockwell’s Hamilton Parish home after the body was discovered at about 4pm.

Also on the scene was PLP MP Wayne Furbert, who later sang a touching tribute, which was posted on Facebook.

At 7pm on Saturday, a police spokesman announced the former tourism minister’s death.

“Mr Crockwell was found in an unresponsive state at a Hamilton Parish residence around 4pm today.

“He was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene by the attending doctor.

“Initial inquiries suggest that foul play is not suspected.”

A full inquiry regarding the MP’s death is now under way, and a family liaison officer has been appointed to offer support, the spokesman said.

Mr Crockwell, 47, was divorced and had three children — two sons and a daughter.

As word spread of lawyer’s death, tributes began to flow.

“It is devastating, shocking news, and it hurts,” Mr Dunkley said.

“On behalf of colleagues in the One Bermuda Alliance and the people of Bermuda, I extend deepest condolences to Shawn’s family — his children, his brother and sister, his mother and father, of whom he was so proud and inspired by. I can’t imagine the trauma they are going through right now. Despite our recent political differences, Shawn remained my good friend. Together we watched our beloved Dallas Cowboys, talked Premier League football and had laughs. He was one of the brightest, most talented people I’ve had the pleasure to know.

“No one overcame his personal difficulties with more flair and accomplishment than Shawn, completing his law degree in prison and emerging to be an effective advocate for people. In the floor of the House of Assembly, he was a gifted and compelling speaker — smart, logical and passionate, always interesting. When Shawn spoke, the Chamber listened.

“As a government minister, he was effective, getting things done, and he brought razor-sharp intelligence to the Cabinet table.

“This is a tragedy that is incomprehensible to me. Shawn was a Bermudian success story, full of promise and possibilities. I will miss him.”

OBA chairwoman Lynne Woolridge said on Saturday: “It is with a profound sense of shock and sadness that we learnt today of the death of our colleague, Shawn Crockwell.

“Shawn’s enthusiasm, passion and dedication to serving the people of Bermuda was unquestioned. Shawn will be missed, but his legacy and his work to uplift all Bermudians will live on. As a mark of respect, and as we come to terms with this tragic loss, the OBA will be suspending election campaigning until further notice.

“On behalf of the people of Bermuda, I offer my sincere condolences to his family, associates and friends.”

In a statement released on Saturday evening, the Leader of the Opposition said: “The members of the Progressive Labour Party are stunned and deeply saddened to hear of the sudden death of one of Bermuda’s honourable sons, Shawn Crockwell.

“Shawn was a rare man of conviction and courage; when communing with him, you could clearly see that God granted Shawn the courage to promote, defend and pursue his convictions regardless of the favour or foul of any observer.

“I believe Shawn’s life was a testament to the heights that can be attained if one strives to overcome formidable obstacles.

“Many have convictions, fewer have the required courage to stick to them, and fewer still use those gifts to serve their fellow man. Shawn Crockwell did so both in his vocation and his profession, and those he served will no doubt miss his counsel and compassion.

“Out of respect for Shawn’s sincere and meaningful contribution to the political discourse in our beloved country, the PLP will be suspending all campaign activities and advertising for a period of 48 hours.

“We extend our most heartfelt condolences to Shawn’s family and loved ones during this time. Bermuda will be all the poorer for your loss.”

Mr Crockwell was head of the litigation department at Chancery Legal, practising in all areas of civil and criminal litigation.

Before joining the firm, he was behind legislation for the Casino Gaming Act 2014 and the Bermuda Tourism Authority Act 2014.

He was Called to the Bar in 2009 and was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.