ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

'First Brit To Contract Coronavirus' Dies In 'Tragic Accident' At University

'First Brit To Contract Coronavirus' Dies In 'Tragic Accident' At University

Connor Reed, believed to be the first Brit to catch the virus, sadly died while at university in Wales over the weekend

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

A student who was believed to be the first Brit to have contracted coronavirus has sadly died following a 'tragic accident' at university in Wales.

Connor Reed, 26, spoke out earlier this year when he fell ill with the virus while working as a teacher in Wuhan, China, sharing his experiences of the 'debilitating' illness.

After recovering, he returned to the UK to go to Bangor University, where he studied the Chinese language.

Connor's mum Hayley has confirmed that Connor was found dead in his halls of residence at the university, saying in a statement on Facebook: "It brings me great sadness to announce our beautiful son Connor Reed has passed away in a tragic accident at Bangor University at the weekend.

Facebook

"He will be so greatly missed by his brothers, family and friends. He had such a wonderful smile, enthusiasm and love for life.

"We are blessed to have had you in our lives if only for a very short time. Rest in peace our darling."

North Wales Police said in a statement: "Shortly after 10pm on Sunday 25 October, North Wales Police were requested by the ambulance service to attend at a student's room at a Bangor University halls of residence.

"Regrettably, despite the best efforts of friends and paramedics, a 26-year-old student year male student was pronounced dead at the location.

"Our thoughts are with the victim's family and friends following this tragic death of a young student, and we request that their privacy is respected.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner for North West Wales, Mr Dewi Pritchard Jones has been informed."

Speaking to The Sun, Hayley - who lives in Brisbane, Australia - said Connor had been through a lot in the past year.

She said: "Over the last six months he endured a lot of hardship in China, contracting Covid and having over 20 weeks lockdown under strict conditions.

"He endured more lockdown than anyone we have even known - 16 weeks' harsh lockdown in Wuhan, two weeks in Australia and a further three weeks in the UK.

Connor spoke to LADbible earlier this year.
LADbible

"We are both broken hearted that his adventures came to an end at Bangor University where he was studying for a degree in Chinese language with what looks like a tragic accident."

She added that the family would be holding a funeral in the UK and also in Australia.

Connor, from Llandudno, Wales, had caught the virus in late November, but at that time nobody knew what the mysterious disease was.

Because he was one of the first cases, Reed said little was done in terms of treatment because doctors just couldn't identify it.

He said: "I didn't know what it was. Doctors didn't know what it was. The problem with the coronavirus is you get better before you get worse.

"In the stage where it was more like the flu, I felt like I'd been hit by a truck. It was debilitating."

Sharing advice to people in the UK when the virus started to spread there, he added: "Don't panic, help each other and don't become selfish in the face of a crisis."

Featured Image Credit: Facebook

Topics: UK News