Tributes are being paid to former Jersey Senator Freddie Cohen, who has died at the age of 63.

He was first elected in 2005 and served as the island's first Environment and Planning Minister and later Assistant Chief Minister with responsibility for External Relations but was unseated in the 2011 election.

The Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré says he's saddened by the news of his death:

Saddened by the news of the passing of Freddie Cohen. Jersey’s first Planning & Environment Minister, he also laid significant groundwork for the subsequent External Relations directorate.
My thoughts are with his family and friends.

— John Le Fondre (@John_Le_Fondre) May 13, 2021

Mr Cohen previously served in various roles within the Parish of St John. It's Constable, Andy Jehan, says he 'worked tirelessly for our community':

My thoughts are with the family and friends of #FreddieCohen today. Had the pleasure of working with him. He worked tirelessly for our Community both in @StJohnJersey and #Jersey https://t.co/323DP4ZzJ5

— Andy Jehan 🇯🇪 (@AndyJehan) May 13, 2021

Jersey Heritage says he was a long-term supporter and generous sponsor and his work on Occupation history 'opened eyes to many new stories':

We were saddened to hear about the passing of former Trustee Freddie Cohen and extend our sympathy to his family. A long-term supporter, generous sponsor and good friend of JH, his legacy is particularly important in Occupation history. His work opened eyes to many new stories. pic.twitter.com/Iq7xAs8jYR

— Jersey Heritage (@JerseyHeritage) May 13, 2021