The family of a university student who tragically succumbed to multiple stab wounds has fondly remembered him as a promising and modest young man with a bright future ahead. Jamie Collins, aged 21, was discovered deceased in the garden of a residence on Cleve Road, Filton, Bristol, in the early hours of Thursday. Described as gentle and kind, Collins, a student at the University of the West of England (UWE), was eagerly anticipating completing his studies. He was expected to return home to Swansea in a few weeks.
Following the incident, Zack Coughlan, a 23-year-old housemate of Collins and also a student, was taken into custody by the police. Coughlan was subsequently charged with murder and has made an appearance in Bristol Crown Court.
Expressing their profound grief, Collins’ family conveyed their devastation, emphasizing his promising academic pursuits in engineering and robotics. They acknowledged the overwhelming support received from Jamie’s friends and the community during this challenging time.
The University of the West of England (UWE) acknowledged Collins as an active participant in student societies and expressed deep shock over his untimely demise. Detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team at Avon and Somerset Police extended their condolences to those affected by the tragedy, assuring ongoing support and collaboration with the university to provide assistance to those in need.
Det Chief Insp Lucy Edgeworth emphasized the impact of the incident on those who knew Jamie and assured ongoing investigative efforts in the area. The community’s cooperation and understanding during this process were appreciated.
The case involving Coughlan is scheduled for a court appearance on June 19, with a preliminary trial date set for October 12.