Family pays tribute following death of Bentham man, 24 (From Craven Herald)

Family pays tribute following death of Bentham man, 24

8:00am Thursday 10th January 2013 in News

A 24-year-old North Craven man who died suddenly has been described as a much loved son, brother and grandson.

Simon Wilcock, of High Bentham, was pronounced dead by paramedics at 11.50pm on Saturday night, after they were called to a house on Hillside Road, Low Bentham.

A post-mortem examination failed to find a definitive cause of death, but a possible drugs link is being investigated.

Mr Wilcock lived at home with his mum, Beverley, on Grasmere Drive, and was very close to his three siblings - Adam, 23, Zoe, 21, and Jonathan, 20.

He completed a tour of duty in Iraq with the Royal Dragoon Guards - a regiment with which his brother Adam also served.

But his life spiralled downhill after being told he could not serve in Afghanistan due to a broken ankle.

His mum said: “He was so geared up to going to Afghanistan - he absolutely loved the Army. He was looking forward to going there with his brother, but due to his operation he missed it.

“When he realised this he got quite depressed, starting just sitting in the pub and got in with the wrong crowd.

“Four friends from his squadron were killed, and others lost limbs, which also really upset him.”

But she added that he would always be remembered as a bubbly, fun-loving person.

“He was outgoing and loved to be out and about doing something all the time. He had a lot of friends too - the amount of support through texts and messages we have had on Facebook is amazing,” she said.

Kerry Louise Houghton had posted on the social networking site: “Life and soul of every party. Never forget the good times! RIP cuz xxx”

Meanwhile the police have urged drug users to be extra vigilant.

Detective Inspector Maria Taylor, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “The investigation into the man’s death is at a very early stage and we have not yet established what caused his death.

“However, until we have the full picture, I would urge people who use drugs to exercise caution and make sure they know what they are taking.

“If you are taking drugs you wouldn’t normally use, or are buying from a different dealer you could be putting your life in danger.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Harrogate CID on 101 or the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.