Tribute to Norwich student Kyle Paterson after inquest

Kyle Paterson was studying on the Film, Videography and Photography course at Access Creative College in Norwich – the same college attended by Ed Sheeran – when he died aged 19. 

He was found by a friend who had become concerned for his welfare at his student accommodation at Pablo Fanque House at All Saints Green in the city on October 31, 2022. 

Pablo Fanque House in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

His mother, Alison Priest, 49, of Harleston in south Norfolk, said Kyle’s move to Norwich had been “a fresh start” for him. 

“He was just a beautiful soul, and he had a heart of gold,” she said. 

“He had a positive impact on many people’s lives – something I found out about even more after his passing – and he was such a lovely boy and so kind. 

“Kyle was such a kind, caring intelligent young man who just wanted to be liked and to fit in and be accepted for who he was. 

“We never went a day without messaging each other or telling each other 'I love you'. 

“He was my only child, my beautiful boy and he will remain in my heart and thoughts forever.” 

Norfolk Coroner's Court (Image: Newsquest)

The court, held at Norfolk Coroner’s Court at County Hall, Norwich, on Monday, August 21, heard how Kyle had struggled with anxiety from the age of 14. 

This is turn led him to smoking cannabis, an act which saw him being expelled from Bungay High School. 

And while he tried to find success at another school – Stradbroke High School in Suffolk – he was expelled again after being caught taking MDMA, also known as ecstasy, on school grounds.  

As a result, he was unable to sit his GCSEs.

Speaking after the inquest, Ms Priest added: “He was just very tormented since the age of 14. 

“But for someone who always wanted to fit in, his exclusion had a massive impact. 

“He so wanted to get himself on the right track, but he did not know how. 

“We had such a close bond, I knew of all his pain and torment. 

“His music - Neural Pathways – which is on Spotify, will be his legacy. The lyrics of his songs describe the torment he felt.”  

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Evidence read out in court revealed that Kyle was offered support for his mental ill health and his drug, and later alcohol, abuse via his GP and several other services including the charity, Change Grow Live. 

But, as his mother explained, appointments would often be offered far away and at times he was unable to attend due to having to travel to them via public transport times – something which also increased his anxiety. 

He moved to Norwich in September 2022 to study at Access Creative College. 

In her evidence read out in court, Ms Priest said: “He was accepted, and the college felt it could provide him with the support he needed. 

“It was such a lovely time. Kyle actually had something to look forward to.” 

Kyle turned to self-medicating to help reduce his anxiety and the court heard how he may have purchased drugs online. 

Mrs Priest saw her son for a final time before his death on Friday, October 28. They spent the day together shopping and went for lunch. 

She said: “It was one of the nicest days I had with him.” 

A postmortem revealed he died from a pulmonary embolism due to, or as a consequence of, medication intake. 

Yvonne Blake, the area coroner for Norfolk who led the inquest, recorded a conclusion of “a drug-related death.”