W437 – Westbury mourns family tragedy

TRIBUTES have been paid to the Puttick family of Brokerswood, who tragically ended their lives at Beachy Head on Sunday 31st May.

Neil Puttick, 34, and his 44-year-old wife Kazumi, who lived at Wishing Well Farm opposite Brokerswood Country Park, are believed to have leapt off a 600ft cliff following the death of their five year old son Sam.
Sam, a pupil at Westbury Leigh Primary School, was severely disabled following a car accident when he was 18 months old.
He had been receiving treatment for pneumococcal meningitis at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children but was discharged on Friday 29th May when it became clear he would not recover. Sam died that evening, and two days later, his parents took their own lives.
Sam’s body was found inside a rucksack beside the couple at the foot of the cliff. A second bag was also discovered nearby, filled with the child’s toys.

Detective Inspector Ian Williams from Sussex Police said, “As a result of our investigation I am satisfied that Samuel’s grieving parents Neil and Kazumi appear to have taken their own lives.
“This is a tragic incident and we extend our sympathies to their family and to the large number of friends and carers affected.”
Over 800 tributes to the family have been posted on a website which had been set up to raise funds for specialist equipment for Sam.
One post from a mother whose daughter had contracted meningitis but survived, said: “ I can honestly say that I don’t know how I would have survived without her, if she hadn’t have been so lucky. What amazing parents you are. I have read so many good things about you my heart feels for you all. Rest in peace God bless.”
Brokerswood Country Park owner Sue Capon said she felt privileged to have been a friend of the family, who were regular visitors to the park during the five years they lived at Wishing Well Farm.
She said, “Sam was absolutely adorable. They used to come down all the time and the staff absolutely adored him. He was a lovely lad, always smiling and always happy.
“His great delight was to come and have chocolate cake in the cafe. He loved to feed the ducks and to sit on our tractor and came to see Father Christmas here.”
Speaking of Sam’s parents, Neil and Kazumi, Sue said, “They were very private people and everyone respected that. We felt very privileged to have become part of their circle of friends.”
Sue said that the couple had given up work to care for Sam after his accident, a task that required their attention at all times. The Putticks had even modified their house to accommodate a physiotherapy suite and space for live-in carers.
Mary Murray, headteacher at Westbury Leigh Primary School, where Sam attended said, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sam and his parents in tragic circumstances.
“Sam joined us last September and it has been a real privilege to have him with us. He was a determined and happy little boy.
“We are very grateful that Sam’s parents chose Westbury Leigh School and our thoughts and condolences are with the rest of the family. The whole school community will miss Sam’s cheeky smile.”
Mayor of Westbury cllr Sue Ezra said, “From myself and all the councillors, we send our best wishes to the family and to the school, and all those who knew them because it is so sad. I just can’t believe it.”
Cllr Mike Hawkins added, “We believe that it is complete tragedy and are absolutely saddened by this news. It is so difficult to understand the real grief the parents must have been suffering following the death of their child. All we can wish is our sincere condolences not only to their families but to their friends and the carers of the lad.”