'Lovely' Huddersfield teen who lit up lives fell to his death during night out
A ‘lovely’ Kirklees teenager tragically died after drunkenly climbing a wall in Halifax railway station and falling to his death in an alleyway.
Nathan Carter, 18, died after night out with friends in Halifax town centre, in the early hours of Sunday, January 21. Nathan had been kicked out of a nightclub and had walked to the station alone, after he was said to be ‘very drunk, swaying on the dancefloor and could barely speak’.
It was later discovered that Nathan, who had grown up in Huddersfield, had also been taking cocaine and had 207mg of alcohol, per 100ml, in his blood stream, more than twice the legal limit for driving in the UK. He had a history of drinking to excess and not knowing his limits, having collapsed on two previous occasions and requiring medical assistance.
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An inquest was held in Bradford Coroner’s Court on Tuesday, October 1, to establish the circumstances of Nathan’s death. Nathan was called a ‘lovely boy’ by Assistant Coroner Angela Brocklehurst, who noted his popularity, his love for football, going to matches with his dad, spending time with friends and wearing nice clothes. She urged Nathan’s parents to: “Think of the good times, happy times with laughter and their loving son.”
Nathan had played for Liversedge FC under 18s squad, who paid tribute to the left-winger during their cup tie with Golcar United.
Nathan’s family had expressed concern of the nightclub Maggie’s, on Commercial Street, for serving him so much alcohol – but it was noted that Nathan and his friends had been bar hopping between Maggie’s and The Acapulco Nightclub, on Waterhouse Street, throughout the night.
Nathan was escorted out of Maggie’s by the bouncers at 3.02am. He then ventured to Halifax Station, which was unmanned throughout the night, where he was seen on CCTV walking to the end of a platform.
A cyclist found Nathan’s body later that morning, crumpled in an alleyway beside the train station. It is believed he climbed the high wall overlooking the alleyway, which is situated between the station and the Nestle factory, before falling to his death. West Yorkshire Police investigate Nathan’s death but found no third-party involvement and made no recommendations.
His cause of death was listed as a head injury and a fall from a height due to cognitive impairment, a serious error of judgement, due to high levels of alcohol and cocaine use. Paramedics pronounced him dead shortly after 5am.
In a memorial webpage set up in Nathan's memory, raising funds towards The Kirkwood Support Life, tributes were left for the late 18-year-old. His mother Rebecca writes: "The most loving, kind, funny son a Mum could ask for. I will miss your cuddles and smile forever. Sleep well my angel. I'll see you again....Love you with all my heart xxx"
His dad Phil added: "Dear Nathan my son. I’m extremely proud to call you that. You have left a hole which can never be filled. Love you till the end of time, love Dad xx"
His aunt and cousins wrote: "Nathan you lit up our lives with your kindness, humour & big smile.You were the greatest nephew & a wonderful big cousin to Luke.We will forever cherish our memories with you.We love & miss you so much. All our love forever Auntie Jenny,Andy & Luke"
Cousin Abby wrote: "Nathan. My little cousin. You were the best kid and the most kind young lad. I can only imagine the amazing man you would have grown into. I remember you used to drive me mad, wanting me to keep you entertained for hours at Grandma's when you were little. I miss those times and will cherish those memories forever."
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