Jamie Smith’s girlfriend talks about her tragic loss

Jade Maggs speaks about the reality of having to live her life without Jamie. 

Sofia Capel

Jade Maggs, the girlfriend of KU student Jamie Smith whose body was found in the River Thames last month, spoke about her devastating loss yesterday.

The 20-year-old Commercial Administrator from Grimsby, Lincolnshire said her late boyfriend was admired by a lot of people and had big dreams of becoming a haematologist.

“It still hasn’t properly hit me that he’s not here. The other day I actually nearly sent him a text, forgetting he’s not here anymore,” said Miss Maggs who was happy to talk about her boyfriend because she “wanted everyone to know how lovely he was”.

“Jamie was so funny, caring and an all ’round genuine guy. He had such an infectious laugh.”

The young couple met when they both attended Tollbar Sixth Form College three years ago. They became best friends and after about a year their friendship developed into a romantic relationship.

Jamie had big plans for the future

Miss Maggs said the two of them had big dreams for the future. “He dreamt of travelling the world, seeing everything. We planned to do this together a few years after he had graduated from university,” she said.

Nearly three weeks after his death, the KU student’s loved ones are still struggling with their pain and grief.

“My friends and family have all been there for me, which is lovely. His family were always like a second family to me, all so caring,” said Miss Maggs.

She added: “It’s just so sad that someone was taken so tragically young, who had just finished his uni exams. Just a shame it happens to the best people, really.”