Pals’ messages after nature reserve tragedy
OLIVIA BARON AND JON MACPHERSON
TRIBUTES have poured in for a ‘loving and caring’ man who died in a nature reserve.
Family and friends have paid tribute to Nathan Dragstra, from Oswaldtwistle, with many heartfelt messages left in a show of love for the personal trainer.
Nathan died on Sunday, June 16, after police were called to reports of a sudden death at Foxhills Nature Reserve around 7.35am.
His death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file has now been passed to the coroner.
Nathan’s family spoke to the Observer and paid the following tribute: “We do
not have the words to say. He was absolutely there for everyone but not himself.
“He did not see the strength for himself. He was loving, kind and caring.
“We just wish he knew how loved he was by so many. We have to see an end to this endemic of suicide in young men.”
Messages of condolence have also been posted on the Observer Facebook page.
Leanne Dawson said: “R.I.P Nathan. You will be truly missed. What a gentle and lovely lad you were xxx”
Tonia Taylor wrote: “Beautiful young man inside and out. My son’s best friend and part of this family for so long. Hope you have found your paradise darling. We love you and will miss you forever. Sleep tight with the angels xxx”
Mick Proctor said: “Will miss you so much Nathan Dragstra. We ended up such good friends. All you were concerned about is how I’m doing after losing my nephew. You loved Pendle Hill when we went. You messaged your thanks and love before you departed this world. Loved you buddy. An inspiration to everyone XXX”
Bosses at Voodoo Accrington said Nathan was a regular visitor to the nightclub and organised a fundraising collection in his memory for the Samaritans charity.
Donation buckets were placed around the venue on Friday, June 21.
Friends also paid tributes to Nathan with loving words left across social media.
One tribute read: “What a charming, polite and just a completely down to earth guy Nathan was. Not a bad bone in his body and always looking out for everyone.
“My thoughts go out to all his family and friends. RIP Nathan you will be truly missed.” Others read: “The world is a horrible place, you were such a great guy and had time for anyone and everyone. I’m so so sorry you felt you had to go so soon.”
Another tribute said: “Another amazing soul gone. You were a great guy. Always made people laugh and we all loved you for your big heart.”
A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: “We were called at around 7.35am on Sunday to Foxhills Nature Reserve in Oswaldtwistle to reports of a sudden death.
“We attended and sadly found the body of a man aged in his 20s.
“His death is being treated as non-suspicious and a file will be passed to the coroner.”