A HEARTBROKEN mum today spoke of her anguish at not being able to bury her 28-year-old son, who died suddenly while watching television.Father-of-three Stephen Lee Austin, who lived in Woodbridge until six months ago, was found dead in his living room by his partner Joanna Dean, 33.

A HEARTBROKEN mum today spoke of her anguish at not being able to bury her 28-year-old son, who died suddenly while watching television.

Father-of-three Stephen Lee Austin, who lived in Woodbridge until six months ago, was found dead in his living room by his partner Joanna Dean, 33.

The cause of his death remains a mystery.

His mother Margaret Austin, who lives in Hempnall, near Norwich, with his sister Shelly, 22, described him as a fun loving man who adored his three children, Lauren, eight, Kai, four, and Joseph, three.

An investigation has been launched to discover how Mr Austin, a former Farlingaye High School and Butley Primary pupil, died.

It is another blow to his family as they have not been able to pay their respects and say their goodbyes.

His mum: “We don't yet know exactly why he died, which is absolutely heartbreaking. I just want to be able to hold him again and say goodbye, but because of the investigation we have not been able to see the body and his house has been sealed off by police.

“He was a loveable, handsome guy and had a lot of friends. He had started a new job working for his father, Martin Godsell, in Shropshire and had moved there six months ago.

“He was really looking forward to the future and was planning a holiday to Goa. I think he was the happiest he had ever been in his life because everything was going so well for him so this has come as a terrible shock.

His sister Shelly said: “He could do whatever he put his mind to, whether it was fixing cars or doing the plastering. He loved singing and thought he had a terrific voice but everyone knew he didn't so it became a bit of a joke.

“He liked having fun and I think everyone will remember him for that.”

Mr Austin was found dead by his 33-year-old partner on Monday, March 13, at their home in Shropshire.

She said: “It was just the most horrible moment, just awful. I couldn't believe what had had happened. He was such a loving man and he would do anything for me. He worked his hardest and we were making so many plans for the future.”

As well as his sister Shelly, he leaves and elder sister, Andrea, 30.

A memorial service is being organised for friends in Woodbridge. It is anticipated that the service will take place in early April at St John's Church.

N If you would like to pay tribute to Mr Austin write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk