Jamie Collins, 21, was found dead in the garden of an address on Cleve Road, Filton, in Bristol, where he was “looking forward to finishing his university journey”
20:16, 15 Apr 2026Updated 20:16, 15 Apr 2026
Jamie Collins is pictured(Image: FAMILY HANDOUT/UNPIXS)
The family of student who died from multiple stab wounds have described him as a “bright” and “unassuming young man” who had his “whole life ahead of him”. Jamie Collins, 21, was found dead in the garden of an address on Cleve Road, Filton, in Bristol, in the early hours of Thursday. His family said the ‘gentle and kind’ student was “looking forward to finishing his journey” at at the University of the West of England (UWE).
He was due to return home to Swansea “in just a few weeks’ time”. On Sunday, police officers arrested fellow student Zack Coughlan, 23, a housemate of Collins.
He was later charged with murder and has appeared before Bristol Crown Court.
Forensic officers at the murder scene(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach Plc)
“Words cannot describe how we are feeling as a family right now,” Collins’ family said. “We know he was heading for a hugely successful future following his engineering and robotics degree.
“We are continuing to work with and be supported by Avon and Somerset Police at this excruciating time.
“The outpouring of love and support from Jamie’s friends and ours has been completely overwhelming.
“We would like to thank everyone for their kind messages while we continue to grieve privately.”
The police at the murder scene(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach Plc)
UWE said Collins, a robotics student, was an “active member of student societies”. “The university is deeply shocked by the news of our student Jamie’s death in such distressing circumstances,” it added.
Det Chief Insp Lucy Edgeworth, of the Major Crime Investigation Team at Avon and Somerset Police, said: “People who knew Jamie will be understandably shocked and hugely saddened to learn of what has happened.
“Neighbourhood officers have been carrying out high-visibility patrols in the area and are working closely with staff at the University of the West of England to ensure support is in place for those who need it.
“Further enquiries are planned in the area around Cleve Road over the coming days. We are grateful to people living in the area for their patience and understanding while we continue to carry out this investigative work.”
Coughlan will appear at Bristol Crown Court on June 19.
A provisional trial date has been set for October 12.