Tributes paid to popular 27-year-old (From Daily Echo)

Tributes paid to popular 27-year-old Jason Thomas

4:21pm Friday 11th May 2012 in Romsey By Emma Streatfield , Senior Reporter

FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a well-known Romsey man found dead at a nature reserve.

Jason Thomas’s body was discovered by a passer-by in Tadburn Meadows Park, near Eight Acres in Halterworth, Romsey.

More than 500 relatives and friends have paid their respects to the 27-year-old on a dedicated tribute site on the Internet and by laying flowers.

His mum, Sally Lamb, a former Test Valley borough councillor for Romsey Abbey, was too upset to talk at her home in the town but has thanked everyone for their support.

Some are already making plans for a memorial bench at Romsey’s War Memorial Park.

Known as “Base”, Jason, of Priestlands, could often be spotted working at Romsey’s Station Cafe which was set up by his mother and her sister Sandra Rispin in 2010.

Station Cafe has a note from Sally on the door saying it is closed until further notice due to a bereavement.

Jason lived with his mother and used to help her by delivering leaflets when she was former Romsey MP Sandra Gidley’s assistant .

His death comes 14 years after his older brother Jamie was found hanged in a prison cell.

An inquest heard how Jamie, 22, had been on remand and awaiting trial for theft when he was found hanged at Winchester prison.

The verdict was suicide.

Floral tributes to Jason have been left at a footbridge in Tadburn Meadows Park and at a further site at a tree off the footpath.

One read: “To Base, one in a million, forever in our thoughts and hearts. Back with Jamie.

RIP”.

Online, one tribute read: “I think all of Romsey is in shock. We will never understand why but we have to remember the better times people shared with Base and stay strong.”

His aunt, Dyan Thomas, wrote: “Another day I have to live without you. Your favourite auntie is missing you like mad.

I am sorry I didn’t do more. The world’s not the same without your happy face shining but I carry your smile for you. Love you buddy.”

Police said the death was not suspicious and a file had been passed to the coroner.

An inquest was opened and adjourned by Central Hampshire coroner Grahame Short, with the cause of death listed as hanging.