Family Tribute To Newcastle Student Found Dead In Warwickshire

10 July 2014, 09:00 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

The parents of a Newcastle university student who was found dead in Rugby, Warwickshire have described him as a "kind, caring, intelligent and very talented'' young man.

In a statement issued through Warwickshire Police, the family of James Steen said the 23-year-old's sense of humour had touched everyone he met.

Three men are on police bail after being arrested over the "unexplained'' death of Mr Steen, a student at Newcastle University's School of Arts and Cultures.

The undergraduate's body was found at an address in Rugby.

In their statement, his parents, whose names were not provided by Warwickshire Police, said:
"We have lost our darling son. Words simply can not convey the pain we are currently experiencing.

James enriched our lives, and the lives of others, in so many ways.

He was a kind, caring, intelligent and very talented young man, with a generous spirit. He touched everyone he met with his positivity and his sense of humour.

We are devastated by James' untimely death, but we are comforted by knowing how much he was loved and admired by his family, friends and university colleagues. We are immensely proud of our son, and all he achieved and the significant mark he made during his brief time on this earth.

As we come to terms with our loss, we would ask the media to respect our need for privacy at this difficult time.''

Mr Steen, originally from Northern Ireland, was found at a home in Wood Street, Rugby, at about 6am on Saturday after the ambulance service attended the property.
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UPDATED 8th July 2014

Newcastle University say the death of one of their students is 'really sad news and has come as an awful shock'

Shortly after 6am on Saturday 5th July the Ambulance Service told police about the death of 23 year old James Steen, a student from Newcastle.

He was found dead at a house on Wood Street.
 
His death is currently being treated as unexplained.

Three local men, aged 31, 29 and 25, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

They were interviewed over the weekend and have since been bailed until September while investigations continue.

Mr Steen's next of kin have been informed.

Dr Liviu Popoviciu, on behalf of the university's school of arts and cultures, said:

"This really sad news has come as an awful shock.

James was an extremely bright and ambitious young man.

He was a pleasure to teach, always polite to staff and fellow students, and committed to his studies on the degree programme.

We will remember him for his hard work, impressive academic ability and, most of all, his kindness to all.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."