Tribute to Tyler Byett, 18, who died of sudden death syndrome

Tyler Byett, 18, went to bed at his girlfriend's house on August 5 when he started experiencing stomach pains and was short of breath. Within minutes his heart stopped and he died.

His body was taken to a coroner who concluded that Tyler had died of sudden death syndrome - a sudden, unexpected death caused by loss of heart function.

Tyler's mum Sally, who lives in Weymouth town centre, received a phone call from Tyler's girlfriend's father the night he died to tell her to drive over as quickly as possible as he had suffered a suspected heart attack.

Sally said: "I got the call just after 11pm and I jumped in the car and fled over there. I was completely numb and knew and I needed to be with him.

"When I arrived he was on the floor and paramedics were there trying to revive him but as soon as I walked in I knew he was gone. I have felt numb ever since.

Tyler Byett with his girlfriend Aleathia and baby Luca Picture: Graham Byett

"I had never heard of sudden death syndrome and it is very hard to take in. He was fit and healthy and then suddenly he was gone. It's hard to accept."

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Tyler, who was born in Gloucester but moved down to Weymouth when he was nine-years-old, attended Wey Valley School and Weymouth College before leaving school and working for an agency fitting air conditioning at Weymouth Hospital.

His hobbies included riding his motorbike, supporting Manchester United and watching wrestling.

Tyler Byett with his mum Sally, dad Graham and nephew Declan Picture: Graham Byett

Sally said: "He was such a fun-loving lad and always had loads of friends. He loved his wrestling and football and especially loved the roar of a bike, although, when he met his partner Aleathia about 15 months ago, his hobbies fizzled out a bit because he focused on her and her 14-month old baby. He stepped into the daddy role very quickly and was an excellent dad.

"He was planning on proposing to Aleathia when they went to Spain last year but the trip was cancelled because of Covid. They were trying for another baby. They were so in love, it was clear to see.

"I can't imagine what she is going through but we love her and we are here for her.

"Tyler has left behind four siblings and lots of nieces and nephews who are all devastated. It's destroyed them knowing he's gone."

Tyler Byett, left, and his brother Chris Picture: Graham Byett

Tyler's funeral will take place on September 2 at Weymouth Crematorium. Sally and her husband Graham have organised an escorted motorbike ride from the Riviera Hotel, along The Esplanade to King Street, up Abbotsbury Road and ending at the crematorium.

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Sally said: "We are keeping the funeral upbeat and we don't want any black or mourning, this is a celebration of his life. He's got a red coffin and there will be a bike in front of the hearse, two bikes either side of it and then one behind to escort him to his final resting place.

"There might be some delays to traffic while the procession goes through the town centre but we hope people won't mind. We have had a massive response from people when we posted about it on Facebook and loads of people have said they will stand along the route and clap for him which will be lovely.

"We were so incredibly proud of him and we just want to give our baby boy the best send-off we can."

Sally added: "Graham and I also want to thank from the bottom of our hearts the ambulance , police service and A J Wakely & Sons Funeral Directors for all that they did for Tyler on that tragic night."