David Sanderson
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The body of the missing children’s television presenter, Mark Speight, was found yesterday at a London railway station.
He disappeared last Monday amid concern about his state of mind after the death of his fiancée, Natasha Collins, in a scalding hot bath at their home. She had taken cocaine and sleeping pills.
Speight, 42, who discovered his fiancée’s body on January 3, was arrested on suspicion of murder and supplying Class A drugs. Scotland Yard said last month that he would not face charges.
After he disappeared on Monday from the house of Collins’s mother, she said that Speight had been discussing wedding plans with her daughter, who was 31. Carmen Collins said that she could hear him crying at night, adding: “She was his soulmate and now life has died for him.”
Oliver Speight, the presenter’s father, said last night: “Mark was a wonderful son and brother to his family and will be very sadly missed.”
The BBC said in a statement: “This is very sad news and our thoughts are with Mark’s family and friends. Mark was a hugely talented and very popular presenter for many years.”
British Transport Police said last night that the body had been discovered in a remote area of Paddington Station at 10am yesterday. Officers said they believed that the body was his and that the death was being treated as unexplained. They said that he had not been struck by a train.
Police refused to confirm reports that he had been found hanged. Speight had been dropped off at Wood Green Station, North London, on Monday morning and had been due to meet Mrs Collins, 57, later that day to visit some of his dead fiancée’s favourite places in London.
The presenter was recorded on camera entering Queen’s Park Tube Station at 2.25pm and was last seen 22 minutes later, boarding a southbound train on the Bakerloo Line. He was seen in Kilburn by two police officers who said, after he had been reported missing, that he seemed “distracted and deep in thought”. They had asked him if he wanted medical assistance.
Speight, originally from Wolverhampton, rose to fame on the ITV Saturday morning programme Scratchy & Co and is best known for presenting the BBC children’s art show, SMart.
He and Collins appeared together in 1999 on the CBBC programme See It, Saw It. Regular television roles then dried up for Collins after she was hit by a car and seriously injured seven years ago. She had been working as a model and also presented corporate videos.
In February Speight announced that he was leaving SMart because his “tragic loss” had left him unable to continue. At her inquest, which was held this month, the court was told that Collins had suffered burns covering 60 per cent of her body.
Paul Knapman, the Westminster Coroner, recorded a verdict of death by misadventure and said that although she had taken enough cocaine to kill her, it was likely that a heart problem had caused her to lose consciousness in the bath.
Nabeel Sheikh, Speight’s lawyer, described the presenter as a “complete one-off”. Mr Sheikh said: “He was a very sensitive character and he was a very giving person. I think that the whole traumatic experience he has been through is something that he needed help with. Unfortunately, he has taken his own life, which is a tragic loss of another young person.”
A spokesman for British Transport Police said that a formal identification would take place today.
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my girls loved watcing mark on cbbies he will be misst a lot my love goes out to his family and freinds
jane, melksham, wilts
im really sad mark has left us, i used to love watching smart and it made me really happy seeing his smiling face, his sense of humour always cracked me up, you will be missed mark, and will always be remembered by many. xxx
becky, doncaster,
i raelly miss mark on tv and his sense of humour. bye bye Mark see you in heaven
dowoo lee, hampstaed, England
god bless you and you and your family
dowoo lee, london , England
Mark was a cute funny guy he shall be missed. xxxxx
Tracey Walker, Scarborough, UK
smoking and drinking are legal and they havent lost their appeal, they kill thousands every day. what a ridiculous argument and so insensitive at this tragic time to presume that people only take drugs cos they are illegal. people take drugs because they enjoy them; and even when they reach a stage where they dont, people often cant stop as they are addicted by then, thats the whole point of drugs they alter your state of mind taking inhibitions (but also control) away from the user.
michelle mckay, liverpool, uk
I loved smart so much we will all miss you with you funny sense of humour.
Jess, Folkestone, England
Oh poor Mark -rest in peace x
Jo, Gateshead
joarkenne Bu, Gateshead, UK
I personally thought that mark was a fantastic presenter, and i was always watching SMart on and off for the most part of my childhood, even now i'm over 18 and seeing mark on the tv made me happy.
i agree that morals and ethics should be left for another day, but i also think that there is no other time that people will discuss it so openly.
this will never happen in todays society. But has anyone ever thought of just legalizing drugs? then there would be no deaths caused by impurities, no deaths caused by transporting the drugs, no deaths in drug related gang violence.
as soon as the drugs were legalized, they would lose their appeal, if they were made available on the NHS, you would instantly become 'dependent on the system', exactly the opposite of what drugs are about. the actual dugs themselves are less harmful to the body than cigarette smoke or alcohol, but of course they aren't REAL drugs are they?
Think about it.
Condolences to Mark and Natasha, they will be missed.
Graeme, London,
What a sad loss, not just for Mark's friends and family, but for children everywhere. I suppose I caught the beginning of Mark's career watching tv in my late teens, I remember finding him exciting and captivating even as a post-pubescent rebel.
Then, after many years, I caught up with him again watching with my own children. I often found myself watching them watching him, absolutely captivated and quite in awe.
I have followed this story since the reporting of Natasha's death and, being no stranger to recreational drugs myself, really felt for the guy. Reading this story this morning brought a lump to my throat, and I'm a grown man.
Rest in peace Mark, you were a great talent and will be sorely missed.
Mark, Felixstowe, Suffolk
Such a shame to see such a talent broken by love and confusion, Mark, you brought so much happiness to my children, thank you and God Bless. RIP.
brian Cornett, Lesmahagow,
I was deeply saddened by the news that Mark was dead. He was very gifted and always seemed to have a smile on his face. He has inspired so many kids to do art as well as adults who have forgotten how to draw and paint. God rest your soul Mark, you will be sorely missed!
Kathy Endacott, Plymouth, Devon
My son, (now 13,) and myself have watched Mark on telly for years. SMart was a favourite in this house. We are totally shocked and saddened by Mark's death. Such a tragic loss of a wonderful, vibrant, creative soul, we'll so miss his twinkling eyes and cheeky dimpled grin and meserising artistic talent. Our sympathies go to his and Natasha's families.
Mark, I so wished you'd just taken a few more days, a few more words from people who loved you......maybe like me you would have come through the other side and seen that no matter how trite it seems at your time of inconsolable grief, time really does heal. Had it not, I would not be here with a son and husband, I would not have known of you and would not be crying at the loss of someone so special.
To be loved, is to be alive. Bless you. Catherine x
Catherine, North Yorkshire, England
please join me in sending your condolences to Mark's family and friends on: http://www.markspeight.com
John Evans, London,
To both sets of parents. How blessed you all have been to have had such wonderful children. May Mark and Natasha rest in peace.
Debbie, Bristol, England
R.I.P Mark and Natasha
I am 15 and have watched smart for as long as i can remember. You were a great person and a great artist. I remember getting extra early to watch smart and thinking you and kirsten were the best. The papers werent helping, trying to interview you and get pictures when they knew you wasnt in your fit state of mind. You will be greatly missed by all
All My Love
Georgia
XXXX
Georgia Wilson, essex,
lets hope there is peace in death. Tragedy doesn't cover it
Mo, Lincoln, UK
I watched SMart with my four children quite often, He had such a great talent. I am sadden to learn about the death of the star, such a tragic loss for one so young.
I send my condolences to his family and friends he will be sadly missed by all.
Sonia Hartley, Hull, North Humberside
So Talented, So Gifted, So Tormented - How sad - Mark a fantastic children's Presenter - one can only imagine the anguish both sets of parents are going through. Thoughts go to the parents of Mark and Natasha
carolyn wright, york, UK
SMart was my favourite program growing up, and when i heard the news yesterday, i was shocked,
I hope this will help people to see the dangers of drugs, but such a tragic loss and pain,
Rest in peace, X
Ellen, Manchester,
"Is there anything can be done to prevent this kind of tragedy happening again, some councelling service be more accessable for the families in bereavement maybe?" - Zhangchi, Swindon, UK
There is very little in the way of councelling available for those who have been bereaved by suicide. It is a common cause of bereavement and one of great taboo. It is a different type of grieving to other kinds. I lost my father to suicide three years ago and there is a voluntary support group that can only afford to meet once a month, which is not enough. There is a petition to Downing Street to provide more support to those bereaved in this way.
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/losttosuicide/
Rest in Peace, Mark.
G, Guildford,
sorry to hear the news i am really sadened by this. dont take life for granted and appreciate life before it has gone.
Duncan, Manchester,
I can never forget the joy he brought to my schoolday evenings when I watched his television shows. His work inspired me even though in my younger years I was never much good at my art work. I don't really remember Natasha's work, but my condolences go out to both families.
x
Jasmine, Derby,
So much talent
So much life
So sad
Thanks for all ideas and fun our family had watching you present SMart God bless
barrett, Pelsall, West Midlands
I myself and my six year old sister, have been brought up watching smart, Mark was a great presenter and inspiration to us, hope he rests in peace, and condolences to his family and friends, he was one amazing character, and will remain in our hearts. Mark you are going to be dearly missed, not only by me but by the whole country, a true englishman. rest in peace xxx xxx
Rachel, Wolverhampton, West Midlands
Mark was an inspiration to young and old with his amazing talent. Our heartfelt sympapthy goes to both families as they come to terms with their loss.
God bless you both
The Heraud family, Puckeridge, Hertfordshire
Such a tragic way for things to turn out; I grew up watching Mark on SMart and he always seemed so vibrant...this is the last thing I expected to happen.
Although, with respect to Tom from Chester's opinions on drugs, I must say that I agree with Dan from London in that drugs in themselves do not cause deaths; it is more likely that they simply trigger people who may be predisposed (genetically, biologically, psychologically or whatever) to such behaviour, much like violent films only seem to have a significant effect on people predisposed to violent tendencies, whether consciously or unconsciously. Aren't these the types of people that society should be trying to help?
Not meaning to go off on a self-righteous rant, but I just wanted to highlight a problem with the anti-drugs view: it doesn't actually help anyone.
Emma, Leeds, West Yorkshire
I'm shocked that people can even bring themselves to judge a person they only know through the media.
Mark Speight was one of the few people I really respected on TV, growing up. Anyone who has ever lost anybody, might have a small idea, of how terribly tragic his circumstances were at the time of his death. And most of us don't have to face the media in such circumstances.
I hope people will think about what they write, because his family and his fiancee's family are having to deal with this with everyone watching. Many of us were inspired by Mark.
Let no one cast a stone, to condemn either of them. If there is a lesson to model for our children, it is to live with all you've got, for as long as you've got it. To love those you have, with as much as you have got, while they are around you.
It would be a nice time to put down the Ninendo DS, the Wii, etc. perhaps, and share some time with our kids doing the kind of thing Mark did, to let them express themselves and get creative.
Corrine, Berlin,
Moraliser's - shame on you. At a time like this to say such things is reprehensible. Two young people have died, one (Mark) who brought joy to many young people in this country and Natasha who brought joy to Mark.
May they both rest in peace.
Michael C, London, UK
What a tragic end to a sorry tale. I feel very sorry for Mark and his family and I hope he is in a better place now. Nevertheless, I suspect that Mark felt very alone at the end, and this will of course be some grounds for anguish in those around him. In some respects I feel that by reading this article I am intruding on the privacy of those truly effected and I hope that Mark's family and friends are now given time and space to grieve in private.
George, Constance,
ann cambridge
I couldnt agree more, regardless of the circumstances two families have lost their loved ones please have some respect for this
The who, why's and wherefores should be discussed another time
Mark you always brought joy and happiness to all who knew you rest in peace x
Jane, bolton, lancs
Mark
You were one of the most talented presenters on Children's TV and my daugthers, my wife and I will always remember you and your art work. You were so clever, talented and such an inspiration.
The McQueens, Leicester, England
My son grew up watching Mark's programme on CBBC. I too watched in awe this talented young man whose creative ability on screen, captured my child's attention solidly for the duration of the programme.
My heart goes out the family and friends of Mark, and I and my family send our sincere condolences at this very sad time.
Marie Aspina;;, WIGAN, Greater Manchester,
Having read all the comments I really respect the people who have just passed on their sympathys to the families without passing judgement on drug use/misuse.
Now is not the time for that and both families will already be aware of those issues. I believe it it is far more comforting to value what a person did right in their life, and celebrate that. Well done Mark on truely inspiring and talented art work.
karen, Greenford, u.k
When i was younger i would always watch SMart and it was one of my favourite TV programmes. Mark inspired me because he was such a wonderful artist. I felt extremely sorry for him when i heard about his fiancée going through such a tragic death. She looked such a pretty woman. This morning when i heard that his body had been found my jaw dropped open- i was so shocked. He was such a good TV presenter and i will definately miss not seeing him on programmes but i will never forget him. At this time i will be thinking about his family and friends. x
Emily, Clayton, Newcastle-Under-Lyme
If happiness were like
The flowers of June then i would take
The best of them, roses and columbine,
The lilies and bind them in your hair.
They are not more beautiful but they add
Meaning to my love. For all our words
Are short and lame of breath and stumble,
And you surpass them though i know not why.
Shy love i think of you as the day wanes
And as the sun sinks deep into the ocean
And as the stars turn round above in silent motion
RIP Natasha and Mark - missed so very much by all who knew you x
Belisarius, London, UK
A great Presenter and communicator, full of enthusiasm my kids loved his shows
Andrew, Portsmouth, Hampshire
My Daughter Was In Tears When She Heard This On The News Yesterday She Is 5 And Loved Smarteenies & Smart With His Big Picture Little Picture All I Can Hope For Is That When His Family Go To Identify The Body Later It Is Not His And He See's Sense And Comes Home To Doing What He Does Best Which Is Making Kids Happy He Is The Best Children's Presenter Ever And Could Never Be Replaced No-one Could Ever Be A Better Person Than Him And If It Is Him Then Rest In Peace Mark Speight May You Be Happy With Natasha At Last, Away From Harm
Rein, Manchester,
My condolences to Mark's family.
What a lovely guy such a sad way to end your life. he must have loved her very much.
Catherine, DUMFRIES, UK
I watched this guy as a child, and his death saddens me. RIP
gavin, leicester, UK
I must say that all these 'now they are together forever' messages really annoy me. Apart from the fact he committed suicide-which any Christian would say separates the individual from those who die naturally in faith-totally avoiding moral or religious issues: from the little we know he hung himself, in a remote area where he knew the likelihood of him being seen by a child was almost non-existent. I believe he also avoided the most obvious suicide route for him-ie drugs overdose-also as a final act of responsibility towards the young people he loved to work with. To trivialise death-and suicide-in this way is irresponsible and I believe defiles his memory. Teens are already obsessed and unfazed by suicide, for them to read that to be reunited with a dead loved one, one only has to commit suicide is highly dangerous and offensive.
Perhaps as a tribute to him these deaths can be used in a positive way to teach youngsters of the dangers of all drugs.
Sue, Romford, UK
There is nothing unique about this story. You take a risk with drugs just like you do with alcohol, cigarettes, junk food or overworking. You could be the model of health and then out of the blue you have a heart attack. Or you could be Keith Richards. What about mental health? What about stress?
The only thing we can be sure of about anything is that everyone dies. With all the uncertainties and misery in this world, it's hard just living day to day. If you can find some happiness in this life, go for it. Mark lost his and it seems he just couldn't go on without it. The fact that they were both children's presenters is totally irrelevant and anyone complaining about the potential effect on their children should be questioning their parenting skills.
Ken, Nottingham, UK,
Rip Mark You Were A Great Presenter And We Will All Miss You. I Hope Youve Gone To A Better Place.
Very Sad Loss xxx
Lisa Mayhew, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire
I can remember seeing mark on Cbeebies on "smarteenies" with my son who is now five. He was a fantastic presenter and my son would rush about when Mark would do "Big picture, little picture" copying what he was doing on the telly! We saw him last year at Butlins Skegness, and really enjoyed how he got the kids going and kept them entertained. He seemed a really nice and genuine guy. Im so sorry for his families' loss. I hope he is in a better place and at peace.
Donna, Caister on sea, gt Yarmouth, norfolk, england
Wow! Paddington Station. So familiar to me commuting in from Wales each week. London always feels like a giant village but it can be a difficult place to live. A circle of friends is essential but if things start going astray, then you have to be very careful. Being crowded in amongst so many unknown folk, suddenly making new friends, feels like good company but really it is not always what it seems. Good intentions are deeper than surface appearance and it is useful for your own preservation to be aware of the difference.
Colin, Carmarthen, UK
RIP Mark And Natasha
We all miss you.
Rhys Long, Chiddingfold, England
Mark will be sadly missed. He was a great tv presenter and I often tuned in to Smart just to see his lovely face! R.I.P Mark, I hope you've gone to a better place and have been reunited with your beautiful fiancee.
Carly Jones, Bethesda, Gwynedd, Wales
My thoughts go out to all friends and family affected by this double tragedy. I watched Marks programme regulary with my children and found him so entertaining and a creative artist...a very sad loss xx
Rebecca, Croughton, UK
Such a tragic loss, all of my children have watched Mark Speight on CBBC & CBeebies. He really was a gifted childrens presenter & caused many a sticking & glueing incident in my home.
My thoughts are with Marks family and his girlfriends family.
I hope he has found peace now.
Kelly Thompson, London, UK
I hope you rest in peace Mark.... what a terribly tragic string of events.
Thanks for lighting up my children's passion in art, you will be truly missed.
There is a lesson for us all in this if we choose to listen.
nosce te ipsum
Rob McGinley, Wallsend,, Tyne & Wear
I think this is a tragic story of a lovely young man who gave such inspiration to young and old - what a waste.
My son (11 yrs) was very shocked and saddened by this news, and we want to send out heartfelt condolences to Mark's family...
anna, bridgwater, somerset
Our family has grown up watching Smart with Kirsten and Mark, and always tried out things they did together. Really sad news. I worked at Paddington station for many years and the area up past platform one what was platform 1A until the 1990's remodelling and resignalling is vast extending nearly all the way to what was Ranliegh Bridge refuelling point /Royal Oak. It was a big enough platform to take 13 coach trains. It is totally disused and deserted appart from storing rubbish skips and old equipment
Adrian Hancock, Doha, Qatar
Is the media going to apologise to the Mark's family for causing him incredible agony which pushed him over the edge?
Some one has got to question the media outlets how come we have a moved from a position of "free and honest press" to "hound some one to death".
Prabhat, UK,
It was that empty feeling that led this man to suicide, not drugs , loosing the person you love , is the hardest thing to go through in life ! RIP.
emile , Margate , United Kingdom
Not enough suicidal people know about the Maytree Respite Centre - a sanctuary for the suicidal. Five days there can change your life.
Don't kill yourself before you try it.
Hugo, London,
My condolences to the families. But yet another proof that 'drugs kill'. Substituting spiritual peace for quick thrills delivered by drugs, is indeed part of the reason why society remains in decay.
Farrukh, Woking, UK
It's hard to know what to say, my children have both been taken aback by Mark's talent. This is another case of someone not being able to cope with guilt fear and loss, it's very sad indeed and a lesson to be learnt that drugs and alcohol are killing people, what's going on. I think we have reached an epidemic.
Deborah, Greenwich/London, England
Is it me or do the Police have some duty of care after he went missing. The gut was spoken to the police and they let him go on his way surely they should of taken him into care to ensure his safety and well being.
Jono, Milton Keynes,
If any one needed a lesson on how drugs destroy lives this is it.
Tom, Chester, Cheshire
Yes Tom, and let's not forget that there were a number of drugs involved in the original death including Alcohol, but I bet all you moralisers on this board aren't all teetotal. But of course alcohol isnt a REAL drug is it?
wendy, warrington, uk
It's hard to imagine this happening twenty years ago with Derek Griffiths, Fred Harris or Floella Benjamin. Children's telly presenters leading cocaine-fuelled lifestyles? What's going on?
Terry , Bridgwater,
mark was a brilliant person i loved watchimg smart with him on it he just lit up the show he chose to do what he did people might think he is maniac but it was his descision we are all going to miss him est in peace MARK xxx
charlotte, solihull, birmingham
A real tragic loss. I loved his wonderful programs which were enjoyed by adults too! Mark has left a wonderful legacy. Mark and Natasha rest in peace.
Lee, Harrow, London,
zhangchi, Swindon, UK
Yes, drugs destroy minds first and then lives ...
Yes, but the media can destroy you far quicker in its quest for a"quick story an profit"
Nick
Nick, Chelmsford,
How very very sad.The poor man. The level of his grief that led to such a tragic end is just incomprehensible. Sympathies to both families.
D McGregor, St Mawes, UK
R.i.p Mark And Natasha.
You Will Never Be Forgotton.
S, West Sussex, England
Tragic all round.....thoughts go to those who are left behind.
kirk, Rotherham, UK
Mark Speight was an incredible person,he was a fantastic presenter and allways seemed to be a giving person.I send my love to the family for such tragic loss,mark and natasha.RIP.
Alys, Bridgend,
My disabled son spent Easter Sunday morning creating a 'Big Picture' all over the snow in the back garden, painstakingly laying out household things to make an ambitious design which surprised and delighted all of us. Without Mark's inspiration there is no way he would have felt able to do this. This is what Mark brought to children, and it's a valuable gift. He made art accessible and enjoyable for countless children, taking it beyond the sterile drawing of daffodils in a pot so common in Primary schools today. RIP Mark, and thank you.
Claire, Cambridge,
I read the huge article in the Daily Mirror, the week before he commited suicide and immediately feared that the renewed publicity could send him 'over the top'. The reason I felt this is that I too lost a very valuable friend in January and have been unable to work since. I have cried myself to sleep many nights and have walked around my home, checking light fixtures to see if they could take my weight (I'm now through that stage of grief).
After reading the article, I feared for his life. What a tragedy. If ONLY he had sought help ... if only, if only ....
May he rest in peace and may he find the peace in his beloved's company that he was unable to find in the last months of his life.
Steve, Warrington, Cheshire
Very, very sad news. My thoughts are with both Mark and Natasha's families, friends and colleagues. Will miss Marks smile and shining eyes.
Annie, Cambridge,
I've been reading this story since it first emerged.
I felt extremely sorry for the untimely death of his fiancé â an unfortunate accident, for which Mark was not responsible.
It is truly heart breaking to hear he has taken his own life, unable to quantify his loss. My own heart goes out to his family, may they find peace in the fact he is now with his loved one. RIP.
Ben Lawson, Dover, Kent
Rest in Peace Mark. You won't be forgotten and everyone who I have spoken to loved you very much.
Daniella, London, UK
Media jumping the gun and/or police leaks bear much blame. He was arrested and the papers did their best to make clear they KNEW he had murdered her. But he hadn't; the police had made a few guesses and were wrong. His career and reputation were ruined by innuendo. Losing his fiancee must have been horrific but add that to it and... The media's profit-driven over-eagerness, again, causes huge human harm.
Bill, London,
It was ashock and sosorry t hear of the loss of Mr Speights fiancée, Natasha Collins, And just had this awfull feeling that a shadow had been cast , Like others i had hoped that he would be found and helped . But such a so sad story , my little girls and i will miss his happy happy smile ,
Paul, Sutton Coldfield, England
Very sad :(
i'd say that the tragedy of love and loss is more poignant that the drug-abuse. Who are we to judge?
i hope he found what he was looking for
xxxx
sian , cornwall,
Such a tragic loss.
Mark was such a talented aritst and TV presenter and I grew up watching him on CBBC's SMart.
May our thoughts be with his family and friends at this sad time......
Jordan, East Midlands, England
Very sorry to hear of his death - he has been sorely missed in our house.
Edwin, Glasgow, UK
Our prayers to Mark's family,you will be greatly missed by all of whom you touched with your vibrance and love of life,may you both rest in peace....
toni prosser, merseyside, uk
Really sad news. We always enjoyed his obvious artistic talent and his ability to connect with both children and adults. Condolences to his family and friends.
Peter, Warwick,
It's a shame, he was really good on SMART.
Andy C, Bristol, Britain
This is a terrible tragedy. Mark Speight was a favorite with my children and it is very sad indeed to hear that his life and the life of his fiancee have ended in this way.
James, Salisbury, UK
My kids will be sad at the next series. A tragedy for everyone invloved - our thoughts are with them. Lets hope someone catches the scum selling the drugs.
James, Edinburgh,
Aren't drugs a wonderful thing, they turn two people who had promising careers, a love for each other and a host of friends into two dead people. What a waste of two lives and a whole lot of grief for their families and friends.
Mike Jones, Farnborough, Hampshire
Oh Mark, I can only begin to imagine the mental torment you must have been feeling. You gave me and my children hours of enertainment, and you will be sadly missed. RIP Mark x
Fiona, Inverness, UK
This is sad indeed - this was a talented at times gifted man. The pain he must have felt was barely conceivable. Yes drugs destroy people's lives and hopes - particularly when crossed with the law of unintended consequences. RIP Mark - you were good, and my children loved you.
Chris, Walsall,
I can't believe it. I used to watch SMart when I was younger and was a big fan of Mark. I'm gutted.
x x x
Natalie, Guernsey,
Larry, Wembley, I concur.
Tom, Chester, Cheshire
shame.
i saw him in panto a few months ago and he gave a good performance, and i saw him after afterwards and thanked him for the show.
you never know what the future holds.
but as it has been said, drugs cause so much problems, physically and mentally, although i have no idea if he was a user too.
shame
david, london, uk
It's sad, very very sad...
It reminds me few years ago, a depressed young mum killed herself and her two children in Southhall station, a year later, her mother, also suffering from depression, jumped under the heathrow express train at the same station.
Is there anything can be done to prevent this kind of tragedy happening again, some councelling service be more accessable for the families in bereavement maybe?
Last, however i have to say i was not impressed by Times reporting on the news regarding the death of Ms.Natasha Collins, with the openning sentence as "A childrenâs television presenter died in a scalding hot bath after taking a mixture of cocaine, sleeping pills and vodka in what a coroner described as an evening of adventurous behaviour. ", i personally felt a hint of bemusement and judgement, maybe i ahev been over sensitive, if that's the case, my apology in advance. But i do believe that a more sensiable media approach could be more helpful.
zhangchi, Swindon, UK
Yes, drugs destroy minds first and then lives ...
sam, london, england
The people who care about suicide and see it for the tragedy that it is are the ones who do not so easily buy into the enviro apocalypticism that Carlo and other of his ilk espouse. One wonders if such crude Malthusian prognostications do not, with thier anti-human fantasiziing actually lead to teen suicides. I think our young people may be sensitive enough to understand the message of this quasi-religious fantasizing. "The world will be a better place without you"
Larry, Wembley, England
such a sad loss to a great person. he must have been so distroyed by the loss of his fiancee and could not cope and the guilt poor mark RIP. my thoughts go out to his family and friends. x x x x x
emma, chester, cheshire
Okay I omitted the MISUSE of drugs destroy lives but you always get someone who thinks they know how to use them to enhance there lives, they are illegal for a reason they KILL and cause misery no matter how cool or trendy it seems to take them you only have to look at the so called celebrities to see that.Drugs are behind this tragedy whether you like it or not Dan.
P.S. I'm not into all this pseudopsychology stuff , this would not have happened but for drugs oh sorry MISUSE of drugs.
P.P.S. Carlo you leave me speechless!!!!!!
Tom, Chester, Cheshire
The news of mark speights death is very sad indeed.I have two young children and he gave us lots of enjoyment when he did SMart.He always seemed very vibrant and full of life and i often thought "what a really nice fun bloke ".The death of his girlfriend was a tragedy and in the last few days i have hoped that this was not going to be repeated and that mark would be found and be able to rebuild his shattered life.The pain and loss were obviously just too much. My family and I will miss him and i pass my sincere sympathy to his family and friends.
bolton, manchester, uk
James Petts asks how a body can lie undiscovered at such a busy station. In fact two weeks ago, while waiting for a train at Waterloo Station, I saw a pair of feet sticking out from under some heating pipework at the side of the station concourse. Worried that someone might be ill, or worse, I gave them a good prod which brought an immediate and very irritated response from their owner, who was very much alive, but in need of sleep, which I had disturbed. However, had the feet been just a few more inches under the pipework their owner would have been totally invisible to the many thousands of people who use the station each day.
Neil, Gloucestershire, England
A very sad incident. Two young lives gone. I am reminded of the eastern philosophy of impermanence in life...life is indeed fleeting.
Rest in peace.
Rakesh Sumit, London, UK
A tragedy - and a difficult but important lesson to explain to my children who loved his programs
Jonathan, Chicago, IL
Tom from Chester, with all due respect your view offers a very limited explanation. That both Mark and his fiancee had taken drugs that night is not necessarily the cause of this tragedy. The victims' psychological state leading up to the tragic events' conclusion is certainly the main factor here, and that in itself is unlikely to have been affected by drugs alone. It would be incredibly naive and completely wrong to use this tragedy for the benefit of some sort of anti-drugs propaganda.
Dan, London,
Oh for heaven's sake: have a bit of human feeling and leave the superiority and moralising for anther time
Ann, Cambridge,
Drugs don't destroy lives, the misuse of drugs destroy lives.
Craig, Manchester,
Very very sad - RIP dear Mark- your love was eternal and true.Prayers and thoughts with the famlies
Ropa, Geneva,
How can a body lie undiscovered at such a busy location...?
James E. Petts, Burnham, England
If any one needed a lesson on how drugs destroy lives this is it.
Tom, Chester, Cheshire