Family pays tribute to 'loved' Adam Gillespie at inquest

Despite warnings never to use the BDSM equipment unsupervised, Adam Gillespie, of Hainford, north of Norwich, was found alone in his bedroom “cold and unresponsive”.

The 31-year-old had been in a three-year relationship with his partner, Henri Andrews-Buller, when the tragic incident happened at their home on Grange Road last year.

Mr Andrews-Buller, a sales representative, had arrived home from work at around 6.30pm on October 28 when he found his boyfriend with a collar around his neck. 

He called the emergency services and despite efforts to save Mr Gillespie’s life, he was pronounced dead at their home. 

An inquest into this death took place at Norfolk Coroner’s Court, based at County Hall in Norwich, on June 25.

His partner said in his statement that he believed Mr Gillespie had been waiting for him to arrive home, as it was something he had done previously despite being warned not to.

Norfolk Coroner's Court (Image: Newsquest)

Several members of Mr Gillespie’s family attended the court, and a statement from them was read out paying tribute to him. 

It said: “Adam was a happy young man who was loved by many. 

“He worked hard and was full of ambition.”

They added that he had been 'excited’ about his recent plans for his future career path.

A former North Walsham High School pupil, Mr Gillespie worked as a cleaner at Downtide Caravans and Leisure in Alby, near Cromer. 

He was also a qualified pilot and former air traffic controller, a role he left in 2022 due to mental ill health. 

Dr Ray Lonsdale, consultant histopathology at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, gave the medical cause of death as “constriction of neck structures”. 

Area coroner Yvonne Blake recorded a conclusion of misadventure.    

• To pay tribute to a loved one, email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk 
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