Popular postman dies aged just 24

A popular postman has died suddenly aged just 24 after suffering flu-like symptoms.

Ryan O'Boyle's mother Jaine Round said he died after complaining of feeling unwell, an inquest heard.

Ms Round found him unconscious on Easter Monday a few days after he complained of feeling unwell. He was pronounced dead by paramedics at the family home. Mr O'Boyle of Olive Road, Parkfields, lived with his mother, her partner of 18 years, Terrence Currien, 43, and his four younger siblings.

Ms Round, aged 43, said: "It was an absolute shock. The other kids and Terrence had the same symptoms as Ryan and it lasted two days. Ryan called in sick the day after Good Friday and never came out of his room.

"The next day I got him to have a shower and gave him some paracetamol. He came downstairs. At around 11pm I asked him if he wanted me to stay up with him but he said he would go to bed. I said I would take him to hospital if he wasn't feeling any better the next day."

Mr O'Boyle attended The Coseley School before studying computing at Dudley College. He had worked in Game Station in Dudley before becoming a postman almost two years ago. He was based at the Trinity Street depot in Dudley and did his most recent rounds around Himley Road.

The computer games fan had many friends but spent hours on his beloved XBox 360, where he was known as "Baldy Bouncer".

Friends have set up a tribute page on Facebook with dozens of touching messages. Ms round said: "I wanted to cry when I saw Facebook. I never realised just how popular he was."

Ryan's funeral will take place at Bushbury Crematorium on Tuesday.

An inquest was opened yesterday and adjourned.