He was due to return home within weeks as he neared the end of his studies
Abigail Neep South West Regional News Reporter
16:23, 15 Apr 2026
Photo issued by Avon and Somerset Police of Jamie Collins(Image: PA)
The devastated family of “kind, gentle and unassuming” Bristol student Jamie Collins have spoken out after his alleged murder.
Police have now confirmed that the 21-year-old’s family home was in Swansea, but he was living in a house share in Filton while studying at the University of the West of England.
Emergency services were called to the property on Cleve Road in the early hours of Thursday, April 9, where he was found with a number of stab wounds in a garden.
His housemate, 23-year-old UWE student Zack Coughlan, faces trial in October after he was charged with Jamie’s murder.
The Collins family said Jamie was just weeks away from heading home to Swansea as he reached the end of his university studies.
In a joint statement shared via police, they described their pain as “excruciating”.
They said: “Words cannot describe how we are feeling as a family right now. Our Jamie was a bright, kind, gentle and unassuming young man with his whole life ahead of him.
“He was looking forward to finishing his uni journey and planning to come home to us in Swansea in just a few weeks’ time.
“We know he was heading for a hugely successful future following his engineering and robotics degree.”
The family, who are being supported by Avon and Somerset Police, added: “The outpouring of love and support from Jamie’s friends and ours has been completely overwhelming and we would like to thank everyone for their kind messages while we continue to grieve privately.”
They have asked for their privacy to be respected as they come to terms with the devastating loss.
Jamie previously worked at The Crofty Inn in Gower, Swansea. Shocked staff at the pub have also shared a tribute, describing him as a “kind soul” and “hard worker”, reports WalesOnline.
His former colleagues at the pub said: “It is with deep sadness that we share the heart-breaking news of the loss of a much loved member of our team.
“Jamie worked with us back last year before moving to Bristol, he had a kind soul and was a hard worker and quickly won over the hearts of the staff and locals instantly becoming a part of the Crofty family.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him during this incredibly difficult time. With the severity of the incident, it’s been a devastating shock to everyone.
“We kindly ask for your patience and understanding with our staff over the coming weeks, as we support one another and come to terms with this tragic loss.
“Thank you for your compassion and for keeping him in your thoughts. Rest in peace, Jamie. You will be deeply missed.”
A spokesperson for the University of the West of England said yesterday: “The university is deeply shocked by the news of our student Jamie’s death in such distressing circumstances.
“Our thoughts are with Jamie’s family at this extremely sad time.
“As well as studying robotics, Jamie was also an active member of student societies at UWE Bristol.
“The university will support students who studied with Jamie and staff directly affected by his death.
“We have been liaising closely with the police to support their investigation.”