Woodley man died prior to starting university

A MAN described as a “larger than life character”, tragically died just before starting university.

Taylor Sharpley-Grace, who died aged 23, has been remembered in a tribute read by his mother at an inquest into his death.

Mr Sharpley-Grace, from Woodley, died a few weeks before starting a course at Portsmouth University, and a few months after being diagnosed with epilepsy.

He was found by neighbour Linda Bishop at his home in Burns Close, Woodley, on Saturday, September 11 last year.

His mother, Dionne SharpleyGrace, said: “He was our only child, he was a larger than life character, an intelligent young man who had aspirations of a career in cyber security.

“Going to university would be a new phase in his life.

“He had organised everything himself, I was very proud of how self reliant he was.

“He had purchased everything he needed for his new venture.

“He was loved by his friends, coaching them in maths and computing.

“Many attribute where they are now to him.

“They say ‘it was Taylor who got me to that interview’, and he went out of his way to get his friends home safe.

“He laughed a lot and loved watching comedians like Ricky Gervais.

“I will miss his laughter forever.”

The inquest heard epilepsy had “cast a shadow” over his life according to Ms SharpleyGrace, who’s statement was read out by assistant coroner Alison McCormick at Reading Coroner’s Court on Monday, March 28.

The day prior to his death, Mr Sharpley-Grace was left alone to look after the family dog, Luna, while his parents visited Portsmouth.

Although they implored him to have some friends round, Mr Sharpley-Grace let out a big sigh and said “no mum”.

Mr Sharpley-Grace spoke to his parents at 11pm on Friday, September 10, 2021, saying: “I love you”.

He was later found dead by Ms Bishop, at around 2pm on Saturday, September 11, 2021.

Ms Bishop entered the home using a spare key having been asked to let Luna out, as Mr Sharpley-Grace was not responding to his mum’s phone calls.

According to PC Sarah Tidball, who was present at the scene, there were no life-saving opportunities.

Mr Sharpley-Grace had been diagnosed with epilepsy on June 21, 2021, and was subsequently prescribed Keppra, a brand name for Levetiracetam.

The inquest heard a toxicology report showed he had taken “a number of different drugs” immediately prior to his death.

Coroner McCormick said: “This is a tragic accidental overdose of a mix of drugs.

“I offer my condolences for the unexpected and tragic passing of Taylor at such a young age at a time when he had so much to look forward to.”

She concluded it was “likely he passed away peacefully” and there was no evidence he intended to end his life.