Young Southampton Student Died After Portswood Altercation as Family Pays Heartbreaking Tribute

The family of an 18 year old man who died following an altercation in Portswood have paid tribute to him, describing him as a “kind, intelligent, and talented” young man with a bright future ahead.

Henry Nowak, from Chafford Hundred in Essex, was walking along Belmont Road when he reportedly became involved in an altercation with two men not known to him. Emergency services were called, and officers found the teenager with a puncture wound to his chest and two further wounds to the back of his leg. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a moving tribute released today, Henry’s family said:
“Our kind, intelligent, and talented son was in his first year at Southampton University studying Accountancy and Finance. He’d smashed his A-levels and was fully embracing university life, joining not one but two football teams, making new friends as well as working part-time at the local Morrisons.

“Henry was loved by all those that knew him. He was an incredible son, brother, cousin, grandson, nephew, friend and teammate. He was an all-round top lad and everyone who was lucky enough to share his company thought the same.

“He went on a night out with his new football teammates, celebrating the end of their first semester at uni. Devastatingly, he never made it home.

“Our hearts ache when we think of the bright future he had ahead of him, full of opportunity and adventures. There are no words to describe just how heartbroken we are that we will never get to see him grow and fulfil his awesome potential. We are so proud of him and all he achieved.

“Our world will never be the same without our amazing Henry.”

A Major Crime Team investigation is ongoing, and officers are urging anyone who has yet to come forward to contact them. Local neighbourhood officers have also increased patrols in the area since the incident.

Police are particularly keen to obtain CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage from the Portswood and St Denys areas between 10pm and 2am on the night of the incident, Wednesday, 3 December.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 44250545892, or submit details via the police website. Information can also be reported anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.