Tributes follow tragic death of 18-year-old man (From York Press)

Tributes follow tragic death of Luke Wood, 18

9:52am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in News By Mike Laycock, Chief reporter

TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular young man who was found hanging at his York home.

Comments posted on a Facebook “RIP” page have described Luke Wood as a “legend”, and told how badly he would be missed by his friends and family.

An inquest opened yesterday into the death of the 18-year-old, of Cornlands Road, Acomb.

York coroner Donald Coverdale said Mr Wood was seen by a family member asleep on his bed at 9pm on Sunday, January 29. Two other people were in the room, who then left. The following morning, he had difficulties standing and speaking and did not go to work.

He spoke to a family member who went to a shop and when they returned at 1.55pm they found him hanging.

Mr Coverdale said paramedics were called, who took Mr Wood to York Hospital where he was treated, and various tests were carried out.

He failed to recover and died at 7.25pm last Thursday. A post-mortem examination showed he had suffered brain damage due to oxygen starvation.

The inquest was adjourned to a later date.

Tributes on the Facebook page included: “Luke, you don’t know how much people are missing you know and can’t even think how much your family are missing you. Sleep tight mate.”

Another person said that not being here any more did not necessarily mean gone forever, adding: “You’re held in people’s hearts.”

Another tribute read: “A thousand words won’t bring you back we know because we’ve tried. A million tears won’t ease the pain we know because we’ve cried. sleep tight.. “ Other comments included: “Yet so young, so popular and a nice good-looking lad. Just RIP mate and good night x,” and: “You will never be forgotten pal. A legend.”

• Anyone who feels feels distressed or depressed can contact the Samaritans for emotional support by phoning 08457 909090 or emailing jo@samaritans