THE family of a York man who died after a shocking accident in the city today described him as "kind and caring" and someone who lived his life to the full.

Simon Andrew Peter Wright, 32, of Oak Tree Way, Strensall, died early on Sunday morning after a freak accident in which he cut his arm on the window of his girlfriend Lorraine's house in St Paul's Terrace, Holgate, York.

Lorraine, 32, whose surname is also Wright, found Simon outside her home and called the emergency services. He was later pronounced dead at York Hospital.

Lorraine said: "Simon liked to live life to the full, we are just going to miss him terribly. He brought lots of joy to my life.

"As well as being a wonderful boyfriend, he's been a fantastic friend to me.

"We have had some amazing times, I just wish we could have had more."

Simon's mother Irene, 59, said she believed her son had accidentally broken the window as he was knocking to be let in to Lorraine's house.

She said her son, a former Huntington School pupil, had excelled in many sports, including canoeing, sailing, diving and skiing.

She said: "He was very treasured, not just by his family but by lots of people.

"He had friends all across the country, which he met through university, work and his various hobbies.

"He always did things to the end, to the ultimate level that he could possibly manage.

"He adored his brother, Tim, and sister-in-law, Allison."

Simon's sister-in-law Allison Wright, 30, said: "He lived life to the full - it was all or nothing for him. He was a sound bloke."

His brother Tim, 29, said: "He did everything with aplomb. He was gentle and caring, a very popular guy who looked out for everybody. He was just great."

Simon's dad Peter, 57, said his son's death was a terrible loss. He said: "He was everything a son should be."

Peter added: "I can't praise the accident and emergency staff enough. They treated us all with such sensitivity."

An inquest was expected to be opened and adjourned today.

A funeral service will take place at St Mary's Church, Strensall, at 11.30am on Friday, August 15.

Updated: 11:02 Wednesday, August 06, 2003