A STUDENT at the University of York who died following a suspected drug overdose has been named as James Alexander Ednie Matthews.

The 23-year-old, originally from the Durham area, was found collapsed in his home in Seventh Avenue, in Tang Hall, on Wednesday.

Police and paramedics were called to the property at about 1.25pm following reports that a man had collapsed.

Attempts were made to resuscitate Mr Matthews, but he was pronounced dead at York Hospital at 2.01pm.

A University of York spokesman said: “We are greatly saddened by the tragic death of James Matthews. He was a third-year student in the School of Politics, Economics and Philosophy and a member of James College.

“We extend our sympathies to his family at this extremely distressing time. The university is offering support to his friends here."

His supervisor, Professor Neil Carter, said: “James was a very likeable young man who made great efforts to get to university and was determined to succeed in his studies.”

A post-mortem examination was held yesterday and his family of been informed of his death, which is not thought to be suspicious.

An inquest is expected to open and close in the near future.