A Shropshire father apparently committed suicide on the internet as other people watched on a website chatroom. Police today named the man as 42-year-old Kevin Neil Whitrick.
Mr Whitrick was discovered at an address in Orleton Court, at the junction of Orleton Lane and Hollies Road in Wellington, after shocked web users phoned police as he started to self harm in front of his webcam on Wednesday night.
Internet users, who were chatting to Mr Whitrick, watched in horror as the drama unfolded.
This afternoon Mr Whitrick’s family paid tribute to him through a family statement.
It said: “Kevin was a loving father and family man. He was always the life and soul of the party and an extremely considerate and kind person and loved by many. He will be so sadly missed by us all.
“Unfortunately Kevin had a serious car accident in 2006 and he never fully recovered back to full health.”
Police in Telford were alerted to the incident by officers at West Midlands Police and, despite attempts to resuscitate Mr Whitrick, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detective Chief Inspector Jon Groves, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our inquiries to date have revealed Mr Whitrick was using a chatroom with a number of other people at the time of his death.
“We are liaising with the internet service provider at this time to contact other users who were online at the time of this incident and who may have information that could assist our inquiries.
“We are continuing to treat this death as unexplained and I would ask anyone who believes they may have information that could help our investigation to contact police in Telford on 08457 444888.
“We are also working to ensure witness support facilities are available to those who may have been affected by what they saw.”
A post mortem was due to be carried out today to establish Mr Whitrick’s cause of death.
Michael Gwynne, Telford & Wrekin coroner, has been informed and an inquest is expected to be opened next week.
Claire Rowland, West Mercia Police spokeswoman, said: “Our family liaison officers have been speaking to the family and they are very distressed. An officer is with them at the moment.”
Mr Whitrick worked for the family firm, RMW Electrical Services, based at Sweetlake Business Village, Longden Road, Shrewsbury.
His brother Malcolm is an associate director at Shrewsbury Town Football Club.
John Howarth, Shrewsbury Town secretary, said the club was sorry to hear of the events and passed on their condolences to the family.
Neighbours of Mr Whitrick and his estranged wife Paula spoke of their shock.
Keith Hughes, 65, said he had lived opposite Mr Whitrick, his wife and their two children, since the family moved to Rea Drive, in Dothill, about 14 years ago.
Mr Hughes said: “Kevin was a nice man, he did work for me at the house because he was an electrician by trade. He used to come and see his children, he loved them, it’s a big shock.”
Mrs Whitrick’s next door neighbour, who declined to be named, said the couple had separated two to three years ago,.
A man at the Rea Drive property, which was being guarded by police today, said Mrs Whitrick was unavailable to comment on the tragedy.
Another neighbour, Linda Fenton, 39, said: “It’s tragic, I can’t believe it. It’s a terrible shame.”
Mrs Fenton said she saw police cars on Wednesday night at about 11.40pm.
“At first I thought there had been a murder but this is just as bad,” she said. “I have lived here all my life and nothing like this has ever happened before.”
A member of staff from Atwal Jubilee Stores, which is opposite the flat where Mr Whitrick was found, said: “I’m shocked. He was a really nice guy. He would always chat to me and was a bit of a comedian. He was a really nice guy, I’m just so shocked.”
Another neighbour said: “He was a quiet guy, he kept himself to himself.”
The flat where Mr Whitrick’s body was found is part of a two-storey property made up of four flats.
- Do you have any information about this tragedy. If so phone (01952) 241421 or email us by clicking here.
- Post your tributes by filling out the comment form below. Discussion of the circumstances surrounding the death will not be allowed.
By Kirsty Marston, Deborah Collins and Andy Walker
80 Comments
KEV YOU WILL BE MISSED BY US ALL R.I.P KEV YOU WHERE A COOL MAN AND I WILL NOT FORGET YOU GOOD NIGHT KEV BABS AND CHARLIE XXXXX
Report abuse
A Heart Of Gold
What More Can I Say !
You Will Be Dearly Missed
R.I.P Kev xxx
Report abuse
Kev(Boss)We will both miss you so much.We will never forget you R.I.P Kev daisy and qwiksilverxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Report abuse
Ah you was a reallu good friend of mine…people dont realise what we shared. miss u already. love ya, shelly xox
Report abuse
I wasnt in the chatroom that night kev and I thank god I wasnt but you will be missed by all your Paltalk friends…I will miss your gappy toothed laughter and your fantastic humour as will all the rest of your online friends…night night god bless xxx
Report abuse
kev we love you loads we had great times together , ill always remember u u will always be in my heart i will miss you loadssssssssssssssssssssss xxxxxxxxxxx
Report abuse
R.I.P KEV m8 u where a 1 off lad an u wont be forgot thank you for the memories an laffs u gave me u where a top bloke an u will be missed fae me n missus xxxx
Report abuse
Rest in peace kev. will miss your room banter. x x x
Report abuse
kev you will be missed so much and ill never forget the fun times and laughs we had! R.I.P
love claire xxxxxxxx
Report abuse
The lose of kev as we know him shyboy or R1 missed by all friend on paltalk rest in peace will never be forgotten xx R.I.P kev xxx
Report abuse
Kevin, thanks for the laughs, thank you for helping me start my car..i told you id get you in with my disco equipment..Rest in Peace mate
Report abuse
My heart goes out to the family and I hope this has given us all a closer look at how we in the future approach others and maybe be able to see when a joke has gone too far..I been a paltalk member for many years and hope to have many more good years on paltalk with all the other good people I have come to know like Kev.
Report abuse
KEV,
Well what can i say u were unique,u were a mate n good laugh, good person to know and ur gonna be missed, i`m glad i got the oppurtunity to meet and see the real u a lot didnt get that choice.Thoughts are with ur family now and my prayers r with them bye kev x x x R I P
Report abuse
kevin was a good man.. i have heard many recordings of that night when kevin took his own life. some cruel people in the chat room was daring him to commit suicide . they was calling him names and i heard a man known as puma saying to kevin ….KEVIN U HAVE NOT GOT THE BOTTLE TO KILL YA SELF. DO IT GO ON DO. ..other people was egging him on …these people should be be banned from paltalk chat program because they are evil surely they knew something was wrong but they carried on and tormented him , god bless u kevin justice will be done i hate bullys and that chat room is full of them . kels friendly uk insult chat room should be banned from paltalk .
Report abuse
I didnt know kevin i heard about it online i was in a diff chatroom its just a sad thing that happen
i feel for his family and freinds
may god be with them all
Report abuse
always game for a laugh kev. R.I.P m8
Report abuse
We always had a good laugh racing online,always the joker u will be sadly missed. RIP buddy.(Scrappy-Doo)xx
Report abuse
KEV RIP MATE YOU WAS A GREAT FRIEND AND I WAS SOOOOOOO SHOCKED BY THE NEWS I’M JUST GLAD I WASN’T IN THE CHAT ROOM I CAN’T BELIEVE HOW SICK SOME PEOPLE REALLY ARE MY THOUGHTS GO OUT TO YOUR FAMILY WILL MISS U HUNNIE xXx
Report abuse
Really going to miss you Kev.
Didnt know things had got so bad
Rest in peace Kevin.
Report abuse
I never met Kevin and it is unfortunate that this extremely sad occurrance has made him known to myself and many others. Having read the comments and family statement, we have lost an extremely good man, who I am sure will not be forgotten. May he rest in peace and my thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.
Report abuse
I did not know Kevin myself but i am a good friend of his son and daughter. They used to talk about him all the time, about how much they loved him. They looked up to him. He was a great Dad. They will miss him dearly. My regards to the family x. Be brave and you know i’m always hear for you all. All my love x. MSALFK
Report abuse
I was not close to Kevin but i am best friends with his daughter and i am always here for her. xx
Report abuse
I do not know and have never talked to Kev but would like to send all his friends and family my deepest sympathy. to lose someone close is bad enough but to lose a friend is worse. But with that he is now with the angels, and the only reason for that is because they needed one more and the one more is the special one.
pest in peace….Kev
Report abuse
God bless r1 you will be missed. RIP
Report abuse
I am one of many of Kevins friends in the chat room he went to. I am shocked what the news papers are saying about his friends online.I dont know where you got this imformation from But it is very wrong.We cared about Kevin deeply and would never want to see him or anyone esle hurt them self in anyway.There are a lot of broken hearts in our chatroom over losing such a kind funny dear friend.We only wish we would of known Kevin was going to do this so we could of helped him.Because we love our friend and will never forget him.We will truly miss him.Our prays go out to Kevins family.If there is anything we can do Please let us know.
Report abuse
This was a travesty.I wish the family well.I have felt exactly the way Kevin has felt.It was a wake up call for me and I realise that life is just to short and that I need to start living it.R.I.P Kevin
Report abuse
when keven (shyboy) first came on paltalk .i met him in dragon slayer and he was a sweet person to talk too.. when people was insulting him for fun, he was kicking some butt.. two weeks after that in friendly insults and he always said hi to me,, kevin is and was a sweet man and very kind to me and many other people on paltalk.. i understand most people on paltalk can be cruel but kevin was a helpful man.. so i am giving my remorse to kevin and his families and he will be missed on paltalk and all over the world.
god bless to his families and friends and i am so sorry for your lost..
Report abuse
R1 darling you will definitely will be missed by lots of us you always made me laugh and smile. May God bless you and your family R1. R.I.P. Kevin I will love YOU always…..
Report abuse
Kevin. it was a pleasure having you in the room. You sure could make us smile and laugh and you are gonna be missed.
Report abuse
I have been in the room concerned numerous times altho not played an active part .. what i have observed is that altho it is an insult room those people genuinly care for each other .. they are grieving and in shock they have lost a friend. R.I.P R1 .. thoughts are with his family and friends xxx
Report abuse
My heartfelt condolenses go out to R1’s children. Kev, you will be missed by all your paltalk buddies. May we hope you heartache has eased now that you are on the other side. Rest In Peace.
Report abuse
Rip Kev r1 was in different pal room night it happened but so sad it had to come to this .
Report abuse
if he was feeling THAT low, WHY on earth did he go in a insult room??
Report abuse
Why Were People Eggin Him On Is Just A Question I Thought I Wouldnt Be Asking Myself.. Some People Out There Are Just Unbelieveable, I Cant Believe This At All .. Its Just All One Big Shock .. I Used To Go Playgroup With Kev’s Daughter, & Go School With Both His Daughter And Son At The Moment, So I Sorta Knew Him .. Kev You Was An Amasing Father .. And Sounded Like An Amasing Person! I Cant Imagine What The Family Are Going Through, But All I Want To Say Is My Thoughts Are With You! Kev, You Will NEVER Be Forgetton At All .. Forever In Our Hearts xx Rest In Peace xx
Report abuse
r.i.p kevin
Report abuse
just wanna say kevin was the cause of many a smile n giggle from me(which isnt always easy lol) R.I.P kevin…all my thoughts r with his family and friends xxx
Report abuse
I Cant Believe Whats Happend. Heaven Obviously Needed An Angel. Kev Your Were An Amasing Father, And Friend To Everyone. I Cant Imagine What The Family Are Going Through, Especially His Daughter And Son! My Thoughts And Prayers Are With Them At This Time.. And If I Can Do Anything, Anything At All, I Will Try My Best
xx Truly Missed By Everyone xx
xx Never Forgotten xx
xx Rest In Peace Kevin xx
xx Forever In Our Hearts xx
Report abuse
kev was one in a million once met never forgotten.I feel lucky to have known him well and have many happy memories that will always make me smile. i just wish i could turn back time and say goodbye properly.i will remember him always. sleep well kev xxx
Report abuse
I’m so sad to hear about his death,we were good frends and were there for each other lots of times,he was always sweet to me,but ive not been on the chat for a while,so i feel so sad for his family he was a lovely man
Report abuse
Kev having met you online, having met you in real life, a great person full of fun, loving and u was still the best at wind ups. Kev (R1) i know u looking down and thinking what the hell the are the press doing making comments about a room they never knew.and not even printing the whole transcript. We always knew people wouldnt understand the room, but that aside..Kev u will be sadly missed and my thoughts are to your family, unlike the press who only want to sell papers..Sorry this time it wasnt a wind up, May you be at peace and to your family please ignore comments made by the press….R.I.P. will miss you
Report abuse
I am so sorry to read about this, and I am so sorry you were in such pain.
I wish someone had reached out to you. I wish you had just waited, and tried to talk to someone…
I know that depression is a serious,life threatening thing.I hope someone will be helped by this
Report abuse
KEV YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ALL , THINKING OF YOU PAULA AND KIDS AT THIS SAD TIME .XXXXX
Report abuse
Kev was a lovely, humorous, cheerful, sweet, clever, and kindhearted man who was so full of life with so much to give. It was always a pleasure talking to him. None of this makes sense, I wish I had one more chance to tell him how much he meant to me. He could light up a room with his smile and brighten a day with his charm. I still remember the last time I saw him on webcam with his beautiful children on his knee, all grinning ear-to-ear happy as could be. I’ll always picture him like that. It’s a disgrace what the chatroom did during his final moments. This tragedy could’ve been prevented if it weren’t for the callous attitude of the people encouraging it. Just because we communicate through the internet doesn’t mean we aren’t REAL. We are all human whether we are behind a computer screen or on the other end of a phone. Anyone insensitive enough to consider otherwise and/or abuse the privilege of anonymity should be punished. RIP Kevin. I will miss you forever my dear friend.
Report abuse
i think its really sad and maybe if some of them wasnt sayin do it maybe he’d still be alive. to the ones that was sayin do it can you live wit your selfs i hope not!
Report abuse
I just read about this on BBCi and was truly saddened, even more so at reading the comments from friends of his on here.
It is a shame that anyone could get to this stage of thinking that there would be nothing better than ending it. But I hope that somewhere out there he found the peace he was seeking.
I hope that this story, if nothing else, highlights the importance of helping others - because even if they seem fine, they may be in true turmoil inside.
Rest In Peace
Report abuse
kev!!! wot can i say, we didnt see eye to eye for a long time, but for the past couple of months i have realised you are a genuine guy, you will be sadly missed. my thoughts go out to your family RIP xxxx
Report abuse
My Deepest Sympathy To The Family.
I think it’s sad that a chat program, help this happen.. The people in chat room are not innocent, they help him. They taunted him. I was not in the room,but i heard all about it, and I’m very glad, i was not there.and the ones that was in the room, are insulters’ but they are very sick, and cruel. And there passing his hanging, pic’s, all over the chatroom’s. The only reason I’m sending this is to let you know, these people are at fault.
Report abuse
some1 i kno seen this happenin
must have been a sight
well
R.I.P
XxXx
Report abuse
didn’t know you but i hate to hear about anything like this
Report abuse
kevin So glad i got to meet a wonderful person like your self.You will be missed by many from all around the world.My Prays are with your family.May god be with them at this very hard time.
Report abuse
kevin for the short time i knew u, u were, ans erudite and sensible man, we will miss u emensly, may u rest in peace,
john mccarthy and family
Report abuse
Kev.. What can I say. The phonecalls, the laughs, the troubles with the PC and all the silly little comments…. Gonna miss that smile, and the catherine tate impressions. So many people will remember you for being YOU. RIP mate. Keep Smilin.
Report abuse
I didnt no kevin but a friend told me about his death.I am heartbroken for his family and what they have to go through.
missing you already i feel like i have always known you 
R.I.P kevin xxoo
Report abuse
i no how the family feels i have been through this type of loss before
*xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx*Thanks Juggles:)
talk to you soon
missing you KEVIN!
R.I.P.xxx
Report abuse
I never knew Kevin but had seen his cam loads of times. Shame he could never be helped before he did what he did.
My Condolenses to kevs family & friends, RIP m8.
Report abuse
wots point in eggin ppl on 2 do dat, its perfetic, n thrs no point 2 it. i hope every1 realises wat thy av dun xoxoxox RIP
Report abuse
Kev, I can’t believe it came to this. was hard sometimes i know…but this???? Gonna miss teasing u about being mummies boy, an u always gonna be my favourite spanner. Am so sorry u felt u had no one. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx RIP hun
Report abuse
Kevin we never really saw eye to eye in the chat rooms as i never really knew how to take your comments to people so i always took a back seat, but i sit in the room shaking my head not believing what im hearing off these monsters that class there selves as your friends, these people are not your friends they are just so full of guilt for how they treated you, but they are the ones that will have to live with it every day whilst you sleep with the angels.
Bye kevin R.I.P i just wished i could of got to know the real you xxx
Report abuse
Man, I cannot believe this. I haven’t been on Paltalk for a couple weeks and I just now found out. Shyboy was a really cool guy. In the fight rooms he would always rip me a new one but in the more friendlier rooms he was always cool to me. For years people in the chatrooms have claimed they were going to kill themselves on cam but were always joking just to freak the other people out. No one ever takes them seriously because it is always fake. I was not there but I am sure everyone thought the guy was just fooling around. I know the people in the fight/insult rooms and I am sure if they thought he were serious, they would not have egged him on. The fight / insult rooms have always just been a way for people to blow off steam and play verbal pranks on each other. Those that did egg him on probably thought he was just doing it for drama and are now devestated and feel an incredible amount of guilt.
R.I.P. Shyboy.
Report abuse
well i never knew kevin R1 but i have been on paltalk 4 nearly 2 years and i just cant beleave that it has came to this, the room that this took place in the people are just not right they seem to think that they are all the victims of this tragic avent they should of thought about it when they was egging this poor man on,for god sake the man told u all he was going to do 2 hours befor he did that gave u time to hepl him but did any of u NO u waited till it was to late.you are all sick people who need to be questioned in what u are doing on the chat site,the room still remains open where these sick peolple are still carring on with there sick remarks to paltalk chatters that log on to have fun and makes friends the room doesnt seem a friendly place to be i hope that u all can live with this for the rest of yours lives,you all have took this man away from his children.my heart is with his family rest in peice KEVIN xxxxxxx
Report abuse
i can not think of wot 2 say bout the people that egged Kevin on didn’t u 4 a min think of his family n ow they r goin 2 b feelin knowin full well that u helped this man die u shud of stopped him n not took it as a joke . Kevin, i hope u r happy where u r n my thoughts r wiv ur family n friends .i never knew u but r.i.p. m8 my luv n thoughts 2 ur family xxxxxx
Report abuse
REST IN PEACE KEV SUCH A TRAGIC LOSS OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY GOD BLESS
Report abuse
Taken me a while to get round to typing this . me and you always had a love/hate relationship. we had so many arguements and think we both buzzed off every one of them. kinda why we got together was to shout at eachother till we both felt better then laugh at how stupid we’d been . took me a while to be able to type this because we never laughed at how stupid we’d been over our last arguement . was expecting to get online on thursday morning and have a pm from you callin me names n havin a laugh again. was so devostated when i got online and heard what you had done , not for 1 min did i ever think you would do something like that for real. wish i’d had the chance to appologise for the things i said to you , i know it was just another silly arguement and probably didn’t make any difference to you , but i will never forget that was the last things i said to u and so wish we’d had that chance to laugh it off again . u were probably the most abnoxious man i had ever met at times , but that was what u loved , to wind ppl up , and funny enough thats what we all loved about you , but there were the other times when u could be so thoughtful and understanding and know when its time to be serious and act like a real friend ……i will miss u , especislly ya abnoxious side xxxxx RIP kev xxxxx
Report abuse
please tell me why???good friend,good mate…goodbye my friend,hope ur at peace…i will miss u dearly and always..jo
Report abuse
i did not know kevin but i know that his daughter would tealk about him very fondly and hope that they are ok and hope they are ok my love jess (in science math and english)
Report abuse
R1 well as everyone knows we deffo didnt get on…but I am shocked by the news of your death also i am disgusted in the way other so called human beings were egging you on… I have just come back online and to hear this really puts life into a different perspective…..R.I.P my old Paltalk foe YOU WILL BE DEFFO MISSED…..ALI and DONNA xxxxxxxx
Report abuse
Deeply shocked at these turn of events. Myself, and all the members of the SRL, which Kev used to race against in on-line car racing, are deeply saddened by the loss of such a friendly and happy character. He will be missed by us all.
Toca just doesn’t seem the same place without him.
Scooby - SRL Admin
Report abuse
I didnt know kevin very well just spoke to him a few times but each time he had the ability to make me laugh which was only one of the great qualities about this guy.
Kevin it was the sadest week i ever seen on paltal in 5 years, You will be sorely missed by all who knew you my friend.
Rest well Kevin my prayers are now with your family and children.
Report abuse
kev r1 you where some guy
you left this world without goodbye
you must of been in some pain
to go down that lane
the ppl who helped you on your way
im sure kev they will pay
paltalk was your fav internet place
its where you met all diff human race
some loved an loathed the name r1
some took u aboard an called you chum
we as internet friends will never know why
you decided it was time to die
ive seen the word selfish act used a lot
but we will never no how low you got
with this line this is a final goodbye
we are so sorry u felt the need to die
R.I.P
KEVIN
Report abuse
This is disturbing, disturbing for your soul and for your family Kevin!!
God what a waste, and why give the satisfaction to whom ever it was that pushed you to that point….?
Questions that will always remain unanswered…
RIP m8t hope you found the pe@ce you where seeking..
Report abuse
Although I never met Kevin or even talked to him I have an empty space in my heart.My sympathy go’s out to his family and friends.Rest In Peace Kevin…
Report abuse
Wow, This makes me so sad that someone felt this is how and what they had to do.Im actually crying typing this now.I didnt know kev or ever chat with him but to all who know him and his family. My deepest condolences.Its a crazy world we live in!! CCARPE DIEM x
Report abuse
I’m sorry they got to you. Shame on them. You rest in peace…They get to live with their actions/
Report abuse
Weep not for him but pray,
the times for you are givin.
Your tears will only wet his grave, but your prayers will give him heaven.
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY
FOR YOUR FAMILY AND KIDS
R.I.P Kevin hugsss
Report abuse
kevin you were a great bloke and friend to me i will miss you lots and lots my thoughts are with your family rest in peace kevin xxxxxxx
Report abuse
kev, you were a great funny bloke to my kids and i.our thoughts are with your family and especially your children,rest in peace mate,
Report abuse
I have built a memorial site in honor of kevin, A place folks can go light a him a candle or leave a tribute post:
http://kevin-neil-whitrick.gonetoosoon.co.uk/
any friends or family who wish to add thier favorite picture to the gallery are able to.
Report abuse
I FEEL VERY SAD FOR KEVS FAMILY,I HAVE BEEN THAT LOW THAT YOU DO NOT THINK OF WHAT YOU ARE LEAVING BEHIND.
IT IS WHAT YOUR TROUBLED MIND TELLS YOU THAT YOU CANNOT SEE BEYOND TODAY.
HIS MIND WAS TROUBLED AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT ANYONE COULD HAVE DONE ANY DIFFERENT THAT WOULD HAVE MADE HIM FEEL ANY BETTER.
UNLESS YOU HAVE BEEN TO THAT PLACE OF HOPELESSNESS,YOU WILL NEVER KNOW.
I HAVE BEEN THERE AND NO PERSON SHOULD FEEL ANY GUILT,KEV DID WHAT HE DID BUT HIS MIND WAS TROUBLED.
HE IS AT PEACE KNOWING WHAT HE DID ,IT IS THOSE OF US WHO ARE LEFT THAT HAVE TO PICK UP THE PIECES…GOD BLESS THE MEMORY OF HIS TROUBLKD MIND….FROM ONE WHO HAS BEEN THERE…….BAZ….GOD BLESS ALL.
Report abuse
KEV I HATED BEING IN THE BACK OF THAT CAR WITH YOU ..LOL ILE NEVER FORGET THAT NIGHT MATE !!! TAKE CARE ….
Report abuse
Our hearts are both going out to the family, even tho we don’t know kev we still feel sad to hear the bad news.
Report abuse