Tributes have poured in after the son of former Chelsea star Eddie Newton was found dead alongside his friend following a hike in the UAE, where temperatures soared to 50C.

Rescuers found Cassius Newton, 34, and his friend Aran Martinson, 33, on July 18 after they set out on a hike in the mountainous Wadi Naqab region.

The pair, from Dorset and Essex respectively, both lived and worked in the UAE. Their bodies were discovered between 3km and 4km from their vehicle.

Their provisional causes of death included cardiac and respiratory arrest.

Cassius, a non-league footballer, was the son of former Chelsea midfielder and coach Eddie Newton, who spent more than a decade with the club.

His wife was in the UK when she became concerned after Cassius failed to contact her following the hike and reported him missing.

The two men had been living at a luxury resort in Ras Al Khaimah.

Tributes after desert tragedy

Tributes poured in after the deaths.

Aran’s wife described him as “incredibly driven, hardworking and ambitious”, saying he had recently begun a new chapter in his career and was excited about the future.

Blackfield & Langley Football Club paid tribute to their former player, saying: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of former player Cassius Newton; our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

National League club Eastleigh, where Cassius had previously played, said it was “deeply saddened” by his death.

Chelsea connection

Cassius’ father Eddie Newton played for Chelsea from 1990 to 2001 and famously scored in the club’s 1997 FA Cup final victory.

The former midfielder also represented Cardiff City, Birmingham City, Oxford United and Barnet.

After retiring as a player, Newton moved into coaching, working as assistant manager at MK Dons and West Brom before returning to Chelsea.

He later served as assistant manager under Roberto Di Matteo and Rafael Benítez.

(With inputs from BBC, The Sun)