Grief as teenager dies in freak fall

Seventeen-year-old from Newbury sustained severe head injuries

FRIENDS and family of a Newbury teenager who died in a fall have spoken of their shock and grief at his loss.

Seventeen-year-old David Norkett, who lived at Dickens Walk, fell down seven steps in Reading's Garrard Street car park on June 11.

He fell awkwardly and struck his head, sustaining a severe injury.

Mr Norkett was taken to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, where he died on Friday, June 17.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned.

Heartbroken friends tied roses and hand-written notes to a wooden post beneath the A339 near Victoria Park, where they and Mr Norkett would often meet.

Meanwhile a page on social networking site Facebook, entitled RIP David Norkett, Miss You, has attracted many heatrtfelt tributes and more than 100 acknowledgments.

One, from Aimee Louise, said: “You helped me so much when things weren't going too well, so I think it's time for me to say thank you for all you have done for me... missing you.”

Another, from Katie Mildenhall, said: “Your mum will take care of you now, she wanted her boy with her again, been too long without each other... always, always in my heart.”

And Amanda Jane Koppen said: “If only you could see how many people are upset and crying over you, Dave. I really dont know how I'm gonna get Laura through this, she misses you so much. I know she would do anything to see you and hold your hand again.”

Mr Norkett's father, Nigel, said: “He was a lovely lad with a bubbly, lively character. After leaving school at 16, he went straight to work as a roofer. He was doing very, very well and got on well with all his colleagues.”

He added that Mr Norkett's sisters Tasha, aged 13, and 15-year-old Chloe were devastated.

Mr Norkett worked as a roofer at Bowley Roofing Ltd in Thatcham where the proprietor, his uncle Nick Bowley, said: “He was a typical 17-year-old and great fun to be around. He was a hard worker, too. He will be very sadly missed.”

Mr Norkett was a former pupil at Park House School in Newbury.

Deputy headteacher Cate Robinson-Slater said: “David was a very popular student who left Park House School and Sports College last year after successfully completing his secondary education.

“Staff and students will remember him for his endearing character and fine sense of humour. He will be greatly missed by his many friends. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”