Online gaming community pay tributes to Jamie

10:39am Thursday 15th February 2007

ONLINE gamers from far and wide have paid tribute to the young York barman who died suddenly, aged only 21.

Jamie Tidswell, from Acomb, died a few weeks ago after collapsing at home. He had been recovering from a bout of flu.

A post-mortem examination revealed he had been struck down by viral myocarditis - an inflammation of the heart muscles.

Tributes have been pouring in to the online book of condolences for Jamie set up by The Press - and more have been coming in from across the world from the online gaming community in which he loved to take part.

The First Frag multi-gaming website features a lengthy tribute to Jamie, known online as "Swisha".

"Jay was well known to many of you simply because he loved gaming," said the tribute.

"It goes without saying that losing your life at 21 is tragic, but for those close family left behind the pain must be almost unbearable "It may be of some little consolation to them to know that Jay was a valued member of our community, valued not just here by players in the UK but by many, many players all over Europe."

Jamie was said to have been an enthusiastic player of Day Of Defeat 1.3, World Of Warcraft and Counter-Strike1.6.

Posts on the EnemyDown Day of Defeat news website told other gamers how Jamie was a "great loss".

"The EnemyDown Day of Defeat Admins wish his family the deepest of sympathy, and hope one of the most popular and liked members of the community to rest in peace," it said.

Another post, by "Onslaught" said: "Jay was a good and long time friend.

"This guy was the nicest guys you could meet and was always full of happiness and laughter when you played on Day of Defeat with him."

German players also paid their respects to "Swisha" in their native tongue on the Counter-Strike Gamelux site.

Yesterday, The Press reported how dozens of people had come forward to sign The Press's condolences book.

Parents Pauline and Derek said they were "overwhelmed" so many gamers had marked their son's passing by paying their respects.

Derek said: "It's amazing how many websites have done the same type of thing - from Australia to the States, he touched so many people."