Inquiry launched into the death of 34 year old rugby star Nick Köster

South African rugby player Nick Köster took his own life in July 2023, raising “systemic concerns” about his mental healthcare in the UK.

Köster was undergoing treatment as an in-patient at the Priory Hospital in Attleborough, Norfolk where he was admitted a month earlier.

Köster, who had played for Bath and Bristol, had settled in Norwich after retiring from professional rugby and was residing in Eaton at the time of his death.

The circumstances surrounding the 34-year-old’s death are still being investigated, with a full inquest scheduled for later in the year, reports the Eastern Daily Press.

During a preliminary hearing in Norwich, details emerged of Köster’s family’s efforts to secure mental health treatment for him in the months leading up to his passing.

Köster was initially referred to the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, but had difficulties in securing the services of a psychiatrist and eventually sought private healthcare.

The star forward, who also played for Bristol, had two stints at Priory Group hospitals. The first was in Chelmsford from May 10 to 24, and later in Attleborough from June 14.

At the start of his inquest in January, it was revealed that Köster was meant to be discharged from the hospital on July 12, four weeks after his admission.

However, the day before his scheduled discharge, he left the hospital and was discovered hanging in a wooded area near the facility by a member of the public.

During the preliminary hearing, Nick Köster’s sister, Terena Köster, expressed concerns about “systemic concerns” in his mental healthcare that she hopes the inquest will address.

“I feel there are a lot of things that need to be understood about how his health continued to deteriorate and that is a systemic concern,” she said.

The case was adjourned for a full inquest by area coroner Samantha Goward – scheduled for two days beginning October 1.