Death of former city student is ruled accidental

CORONER SAYS CHRONIC USE

THE death of a former University of Leicester student has been ruled as accidental.

Matthew Nico Lucis Andreas Croft, pictured, died in hospital on June 23 after he was found unwell at his Liverpool home.

Matthew, 27, who had studied computer game design at the University of Leicester, was described as a “gorgeous lad” by his mum in an interview with the Liverpool Echo following the ruling.

Michelle Hazlehurst, 50, explained how Matthew had experienced a “tough upbringing”, with tragedy touching his family twice.

His dad, Stephen Croft, was murdered by 13-year-old Jamie Smith when Matthew was still just a child on Bonfire Night in 2007.

Matthew’s aunt, Chantel Taylor, had been killed a few years earlier by “cold and callous” ex-soldier Stephen Wynne.

Michelle said: “He was only small when these tragedies happened.

“He made the transition from a girl to a boy when he was doing his

GCSEs. In 2016 he came out as transgender and (became) Matthew. I accepted him for everything.

“He was diagnosed with bipolar when he was at university.

“Matthew was a gorgeous lad, a straight A-star student.

“He got A stars at A-level and went to Leicester University to study computer game design.

“He also got his Masters.” Liverpool Coroner’s Court heard Matthew was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and psychosis classified as emotional unstable personality disorder. He had one of his final gender reassignment procedures variously cancelled and postponed due to delays caused by the pandemic. Coroner Andre Rebello told the hearing: “I think Matthew had been managing his pain and taking a painkiller for a long time. “It was chronic use and it damaged his liver.

“His death was definitely accidental – he hasn’t tried to harm himself.

“He may well have been upset about something, but he didn’t purposely take his own life.” A conclusion of accidental death was recorded. Michelle said: “Matthew had a lovely personality. He was bubbly and would always make you laugh.

“He only had a short life – I loved the bones of him.”

OF PAINKILLERS DAMAGED LIVER

Matthew had a lovely personality. He was bubbly and would always make you laugh

Mum, Michelle