The man found dead in a tent at Port Meadow on Sunday afternoon has been named as Andrew Kirkman, a student at Balliol College.
Sir Drummond Bone, Master of Balliol College, said in a statement this afternoon, “It is with deep sadness that we can confirm that Andrew Kirkman, a second year undergraduate at Balliol College reading Physics and Philosophy, died on Sunday on Port Meadow. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Andrew’s parents and his family and close friends at this extremely difficult time.
“Andrew was a friendly and thoughtful student and a valued contributor to the life of the College. We are offering support and counselling to all those at the College who have been affected by this tragedy.”
Kirkman, 20, was discovered by a passer-by at around 12.30pm on Sunday. A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances and officers were treating the death as unexplained. He is belived to have mixed together chemicals to make the lethal compound hydrogen sulphide.
Within an hour of the discovery, Port Meadow had been cordoned off and six people were treated at the scene by paramedics after being exposed to the dangerous chemicals.
A statement on behalf of Andrew’s parents reads, “Andy was loved by everyone who knew him. He was a kind young man who took great pleasure in helping other people. He will be sorely missed. We ask for the privacy of his family to be respected.”
Port Meadow was re-opened to the public earlier today.
