Isaac Powner: Family pay tribute to man who died after attending Radio 1’s Big Weekend

The 23-year-old's body was found next to the A174, Middlesbrough​

Radio 1's Big Weekend (Getty Images)

The family of a man who died after attending Radio 1’s Big Weekend have said they are “completely heartbroken”.

The body of Isaac Powner, 23, was found next to the A174 Parkway, Middlesbrough​, at 9.30pm on Saturday night (25 May). The route – one of the main exits from the festival – was blocked by police, who confirmed that a body was found after they responded to a separate incident in which two vehicles collided.

A 77-year-old man and 82-year-old woman were both taken to hospital in relation to the crash. They remain in a stable condition.

Powner’s stepsister Gemma Braithwaite said a message was sent to the family’s WhatsApp group at 9.27pm, and that was the last anyone heard from Powner.

“He had been at the festival with his family and was absolutely fine, he had been dancing around and having a great time,” Braithwaite told Teesside Live. “They got separated and were trying to link back up with each other.

“At 7.20pm he sent a message saying he was waiting by the waltzers. His cousin James, who was like a brother to him, went to look for him but couldn’t see him. Then there was no communication until the message.”

Reports have circulated saying Powner took his own life. An inquest has been opened into his death. Braithwaite paid tribute to him on Facebook, writing: “Isaac was the most beautiful man with everything to live for. He was so funny, so happy, outgoing, popular and with so many friends.”

“Mental health is a massive issue in our country and it needs addressing. We need to break the taboo of ‘men are strong’ and ‘don’t cry’ to help save their lives, please stop telling young males to ‘man up’.

“It really is OK not to be OK. Be kind, always, some people are fighting a battle even the closest to them don’t see.”

A spokeswoman for the BBC said: “We are shocked and saddened to hear the news and our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

For confidential support call Samaritans on 116 123. In the US, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free on 800-273-8255

You can also contact the following organisations for confidential support:

https://www.mind.org.uk;

https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk;

http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/mentalhealth;

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk