Former Rugby Player Nick Koster Dies in Hospital Care

Nick Koster, a former rugby player for Bristol and Bath, tragically took his own life while on leave from Priory Hospital in Attleborough, Norfolk, where he had been voluntarily admitted for mental health treatment. The inquest revealed that Koster left the hospital to go shopping on July 11, 2023, after expressing that he was looking forward to his discharge the following day. Mental health nurse Charles Mwangi noted that Koster showed no signs of suicidal thoughts or deteriorating mental health at the time of his departure. However, he failed to return by the agreed time, which raised concern leading to a police search. Coroner Samantha Goward recorded a narrative conclusion indicating that while Koster's death was a deliberate act, his intent was unclear and possibly influenced by his mental health condition. Koster had been battling mental health issues since March 2023 and had complied with treatment, including taking antidepressants and participating in two voluntary admissions to mental health facilities.