Tributes to gifted Oxford University student Max Mian from Norwich after death at construction site

Former Norwich School student Max Mian, who died on a construction site in Oxford. Photo: Facebook Archant

Tributes are being paid to a gifted former Norwich School student who died at the construction site of a £440m shopping centre.

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The scene at Westgate shopping centre in Oxford where Norwich student Max Mian is believed to have died. Picture: Oxford Mail The scene at Westgate shopping centre in Oxford where Norwich student Max Mian is believed to have died. Picture: Oxford Mail

Max Mian had been entering his second year studying Classics at Oxford University after moving from Norwich. On Monday morning his body was found by workers at the site of the new Westgate Centre in Oxford.

It appeared he had fallen from the roof of one of the new shops.

The centre was due to open in three weeks, but work was halted at a section of the site while police investigated the circumstances that led to this death.

Brasenose College, where he was studying, said: “The family have been informed and the college has met with them and expressed its sympathy and support. College students and staff have also been informed and offered counselling and support.”

The scene at Westgate shopping centre in Oxford where Norwich student Max Mian is believed to have died. Picture: Oxford Mail The scene at Westgate shopping centre in Oxford where Norwich student Max Mian is believed to have died. Picture: Oxford Mail

John Bowers, principal of the college, said: “Max was a brilliant and popular student and we all miss him greatly. Our thoughts are especially with his family and friends and everyone at the college is doing all we can to help and support them and each other at such a difficult time.”

Miles Overton, the JCR President, said “Max was a popular, much-loved member of the Brasenose Junior Common Room. His tragic death has deeply shocked us all, but the supportive community in which we live has come together at this difficult time. Our thoughts are especially with Max’s family and friends, and we in the JCR will always feel his loss.”

Thames Valley Police said it was not treating the incident as suspicious, but it remained unexplained.

Stefan Griffiths, headmaster of Norwich School, said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the tragic death of Max Mian, who was a much-loved member of Norwich School between 2006 and 2016.

“Max was a very gifted all-rounder, with a particular love of Classics. Our sympathies are with his family and many friends. They are in the thoughts and prayers of the Norwich School community.”

The Health and Safety Executive has been notified of the incident and it is assisting Thames Valley Police in its investigation.

The Oxford Mail has reported police officers were seen on the roof of the new John Lewis Building on the site after workers discovered Mr Mian’s body when they began their shift on Monday morning around 6.40am.

A spokesman for Westgate Oxford Alliance said: “We are aware of an incident at the Westgate Oxford site, and the site is partially closed.

“The emergency services are investigating and we are, therefore, unable to make any further comment at this stage.”