Team GB's snowboard coach Nelson Pratt found hanged

A snowboarding champion has been found hanged at his family home, police said.

Officers were called to the home of Nelson Pratt at Grateley, near Andover, Hampshire, last Wednesday, when the 33-year-old was found in the garage.

As well as being a renowned snowboarder, Mr Pratt was also the Team GB and army snowboard team coach.

Hampshire police said there were no suspicious circumstances and the death would be investigated on behalf of the coroner.

Ed Blomfield, editor of White-lines, said in an obituary posted on the magazine's website: "It feels surreal to be writing this, but Nelson Pratt – one of the most talented and popular snowboarders in the UK – has died.

"Beyond the riding, Nelson was quite simply one of the nicest guys I have ever met in my life.

"Nelson's grounded perspective perhaps came from his upbringing on an arable farm in Hampshire.

"Nelson was a man with giant strength, a giant appetite and a giant heart. A true gentleman.

"Recently, Nelson had been passing on his knowledge to other riders through his work with the Army and the British Snowboard Team.

"His technical ability and natural charm made him the ideal coach.

"He will be sorely missed by everyone he touched in the snowboard community, but most of all by his family in Hampshire. Our thoughts go out to them at this tragic time."

PA