Death of a 'legend' at the age of 18

From the archive, first published Friday 10th Feb 2006.

Loved ones of a gifted teenage drummer killed by a lung infection and blood poisoning have paid tribute to their "legend".

That was how family and friends described Christopher Northrop as they fondly remembered the popular 18-year-old who was aiming to be a professional musician.

The sixth former at Beckfoot School in Bingley died on Sunday after a brief illness which began with flu symptoms and ended with him fighting for his life at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

It was the second tragedy to befall the Allerton family in a decade: Christopher lost his dad, Barry, to cancer when he was nine.

Christopher's distraught mum, Sylvia, said her son's death was a terrible shock.

"Last Wednesday he was at school and didn't feel so good," she said. "On Friday he took a turn and was rushed to Bradford Royal Infirmary. He was poorly but talking to us. We were joking with him.

"He had flu that developed into pneumonia and septicaemia that led to multiple organ failure. It all happened really quickly. The medical staff said that as soon as he got the pneumonia he hadn't stood a chance. It was so aggressive.

"Within one hour of him getting there they had sedated him and were giving him everything they could."

She added: "The intensive care staff tried their best with him. They were pumping every drug they could to help him because he was a strong, young person."

But their efforts could not save Christopher. An army of family and friends had maintained a vigil throughout.

Christopher's friends, including members of his bands, Funktion and Stone Monkeys, have since publicly honoured the Sheffield United fan. Funktion bassist Phil Clegg described him as "just a really nice lad, always smiling".

Trumpeter Matthew Pronger added: "He made you feel really good with his jokes and just by listening to you. You never saw him without a smile."

They said one of the highlights of Chris's career was being named best drummer in a radio station's battle of the bands competition. Mark Lawalski, Christopher's friend and drum teacher, said he had lost his best student.

Mrs Northrop said her son was an avid motorcyclist, owning three bikes in the eight months since he passed his test.

Just two weeks ago he had spoken of his plans for a motorcycle tour of Europe and had bought a ferry ticket for a biking trip to the Isle of Man TT race with his uncle Kevin in June.

Christopher's cousin Laura Wilson said he was not a highly academic student but thoroughly enjoyed being at school. "School was a big part of his social life," she said. "He loved it because it meant he could see his friends."

Friends have produced key rings featuring Chris's photo-portrait and are to complete the chair he had started to build as part of his design and technology A-level.

There are also plans for a charity fundraising concert featuring Chris's band mates later in the year.

Christopher's sister Nicola said her brother was always full of energy.

"He had so much potential. When he had plans or ideas he usually just got on with them," she said.

"He made things happen. He did much more in his 18 years than most people will do in their lives. He had friends, not just mates you'd see once in a while at the pub. His friends were very important to him."

Mrs Northrop added: "I was really proud of him. He cared about people. He would come home and tell me if there was someone he felt he had helped through a problem by listening to them. He was that kind of person."

Beckfoot School head teacher David Horn said: "Chris was a great young man. He was a real `Beckfooter' - a hard-working, talented learner, a great personality, always keen to get involved in the life of the school and, most important of all, a caring, compassionate individual.

"He had a tremendous talent for music and particularly drumming. He was one of the leaders of the school's samba band and played drums in our soul band. He loved being at Beckfoot.

"He had many friends, not only in his year but throughout the school.

"We are all struggling to come to terms with his death and we are presently engaged in a lot of activities to ensure he is never forgotten.

"His friends have been magnificent in terms of supporting one another and exploring constructive ways of remembering him.

"A memorial book is being filled in by all who knew him that will be given to his mum. A special assembly is being held for him and we are raising funds for a long-lasting tribute to his memory."

The funeral and cremation will take place at Scholemoor on Thursday, February 16.

Archive Home