Family and friends have been left shocked and devastated at the death of 19-year-old Alex Matthews.
The March teenager’s mum, Michele, found him unresponsive in his bed, last Tuesday.
Michele sensed something was wrong after not hearing from Alex for two days. He had failed to respond to phone calls and text messages.
Michele borrowed a key from the letting agency of her son’s flat, at the Junction in Norwood Road, to enter.
“He was incredibly bright,” said Michele of her son, who attended Burrowmoor Primary School and Neale-Wade Academy, both in March.
Alex attained exceptional GCSE grades and recently decided to restart his education. He was looking to study a degree in psychology, because of his interest in the human brain.
Michele recalled Alex’s “wicked sense of humour and his rare ability to make people smile and laugh.
“People enjoyed his company – in a way he was very charismatic and he was a very loving individual too.”
On Sunday, at 8pm, many of Alex’s friends gathered at the hill outside March Library, to light candles and play his favourite song in a display of sorrow, shock and respect.
Michele, of The Green, March, attended for a short while along with her daughter Rebecca, 15, and other family members who drove down from Nottingham.
Michele described the tribute as “lovely” and added: “My family found it comforting to attend – it was nice for them to see his friends there.”
A post-mortem examination has been carried out, with the cause of death currently unascertained. It could be another two months before the cause is known.
FACEBOOK TRIBUTES
“Still in shock, just refuse to accept it. We may not have been the closest but you impacted my life in such a way no one else could.”
“You won’t be forgotten ever, just forever missed”
“RIP Alex, a remarkable young man who will be sadly missed by his family and all those that knew him.”
“You impacted so many lives and that is something you and you’re family should be very proud of.”
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