THE family of a bright student who took his life after learning he had failed his second year at university via email have said they are "distraught and heartbroken" over his passing.

In a statement to The Advertiser, Alex Hayter's loved ones said his loss has left a void in their lives.

The 21-year-old, from Abbotts Ann, was found dead on September 21, 2020, following a missing person's appeal.

At an inquest at Winchester Coroners Court this week, the court heard how the young man had struggled with university after moving back home during the pandemic.

His father Andrew Hayter thanked the public as well as Hampshire Search and Rescue and Hampshire Constabulary for their help with the search.

In a shared statement, his family said: “Words cannot express how distraught and heartbroken we are that our gorgeous, funny, clever Alex, our beloved son, and brother, is no longer with us.

“He leaves a void in our family that can never be filled. The future that we had hoped for him will not happen. We would like to thank everyone who shared the Missing post and the huge police led team who worked so tirelessly.”

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