Tribute from family for former rugby player during inquest

Ralph Nick Köster, known as Nick, was being treated at the Norwich Priory Hospital in Attleborough when he was found dead in a wooded area on the evening of July 11, 2023.

Mr Köster was born in Robertson, a town in South Africa, on February 22, 1989 and was a gifted sportsman being recruited to play rugby from the age of 13.

Mr Köster and his family moved to the UK in 2012 to play for Bath Rugby before moving to play for Bristol Bears in 2014 where he helped them to secure promotion to the Premiership in 2016.

Mr Köster moved to the UK in 2012 to play for Bath Rugby before moving to play for Bristol Bears in 2014 (Image: PA)

The 34-year-old also completed an MBA at the University of Cambridge during his rugby career before retiring in 2017. 

A statement read out during Mr Köster's inquest his sister, Terena, said: "Since childhood, Nick and I were inseparable.

"He was my favourite person in the world and was adored by all who knew him.

"He was always the person to lean on and turn to, a pillar of strength for those around him, selfless and deeply empathetic.

"The tragedy and trauma of Nick's death will continue to reverberate throughout our lives.

"Nick's daughters are now growing up without their dad and Jeannie is raising them without her husband.

A statement read out by Mr Köster's sister said he was adored by all who knew him (Image: PA)

"We've lost not only a brother but a confidant and best friend.

"My parents have outlived their son, something no parent should have to do."

Mr Köster, who lived in Chestnut Drive in Horsford, leaves behind his wife Jeannie, two daughters aged seven and three as well as his siblings Terena and JP, his mum Lana-Anne and dad John.

DETAILS OF NICK KÖSTER'S INQUEST

During the two-day inquest held at Norfolk Coroner's Court earlier this week, the court heard that Mr Köster confessed to his sister Terena that he was "heading towards depression" in March 2023.

As his health continued to decline Mr Köster sought help from his GP and local Crisis Care teams, before being admitted to Chelmsford Priory between May 10 and 24, 2023. 

Mr Köster was then admitted via the NHS to the Norwich Priory on June 14.

The court heard that Mr Köster was heading towards depression in March 2023 (Image: PA)

On July 11, the day before his expected discharge, he requested to go for a walk and left the Priory at 2.30pm and was due to return at 4.30pm.

However staff didn't notice he had not returned until a few hours later - between 6pm and 6.40pm.

Area coroner, Samantha Goward, ended the inquest by claiming more could have been done during Mr Köster's disappearance.

She concluded that Mr Köster "died to a deliberate act but his intent was unknown and his thoughts may have been impaired by his underlying medical condition."

Mr Köster's inquest lasted two days earlier this week at Norfolk Coroner's Court (Image: Newsquest)