Ben Kreisler found dead at St Paul's - staff tried to save him

Tributes have poured in for Ben Kreisler who battled drug addiction and was found dead in his room at St Paul's Hostel, Tallow Hill, on Monday.

MORE STORIES

Much sadness as homeless man found dead at Worcester hostel

Dying man threatened to blow up Worcester flat

Staff tried to save his life and perform first aid until paramedics arrived.

Meanwhile, flowers and messages of condolence were left at Mr Kreisler's favourite seat - steps near Asda.

MISSED: Ben Kreisler

He had been staying at the hostel since February 2020, initially under the care of the Housing First Team and latterly with the hostel team.

Chief executive Jonathan Sutton said there had always been hope that Mr Kreisler would turn a corner and get his life back on track after spending his longest time off the streets.

CARING: Jonathan Sutton, chief executive of St Paul's Hostel, has provided a rare glimpse into the life of Ben Kreisler and some of his qualities.

Mr Kreisler, believed to be from Pershore, had contact with St Paul's Hostel for at least 10 years and it was not the first time he had stayed there.

Mr Sutton said: "It was the longest stint where he did not return to sleeping on the streets of Worcester.

"His death is starting to hit home and the staff and other residents who built authentic relationships with Ben will feel it. They knew his idiosyncrasies.

RESPECT: Flowers were left in memory of Mr Kreisler where he would sit near Asda

"Yes, he could sometimes be awkward but these moments passed often with an apology.

"Staff knew his routine. They knew what food he liked (ribs and ice cream) and what food would make him grumble (everything except ribs and ice cream).

"They knew how to cheer him up and when to leave him alone, when to draw boundaries and when to be tolerant.

"There was a noticeable change in Ben as the spring arrived.

"He was taking much better care of himself, keeping his room tidy and telling us he wanted change for himself.

"I suppose we all had our fingers crossed that change was finally coming to Ben's life and he was finally thinking about turning that imaginary corner.

"Anyone who came into contact with Ben will have a memory.

"I will remember how animated he could be when talking about the latest book he had read, his theory about the origins of Covid and why having a Covid jab was 'a very bad idea Jonathan' or admiring the work of Sir David Attenborough.

"He talked about becoming an architectural blacksmith and imagined, once free from addiction, how he would enjoy re-learning that art.

"I must use the opportunity to commend the two members of St Paul's staff who found Ben, began and sustained first aid until relieved by the first responders.

"Also, West Midlands Ambulance Service and West Mercia Police who came quickly to our aid on Monday evening.

"And to everyone knew or who worked with Ben over the last decade.

"Former staff at St Paul's, our colleagues at Cranstoun, Worcester City Council Housing Team, Maggs Day Centre, all the Worcester street feeding stations, CCP, street pastors, the police, the probation service and Hope Church.

"Everyone tried to do their best for Ben, sticking by him through the many ups and downs and trying to keep hope alive."

The Worcester Street Kitchen shared the following post: "It is with much sadness that Ben Kraisler (Wiley) a young man who has been a visitor to the Street Kitchen for many years has sadly and suddenly passed away.

"Ben you were a character and have gone too soon. Rest in peace young man no more torment or pain xx #intouchglobalfoundation #theworcesterstreetkitchen #foodsharewyreforest."

More tributes paid to Ben Kreisler

Kerry Holloway, from Worcester wrote: "R.I.P Ben we had a laugh every time we used to see you always kind and polite never asked for anything wish I could have helped you more will miss you fly high and sleep tight rest now see you again someday."

Natalee, from Worcester said: "Such a sad day 😔 was never a harm to anyone just needed that extra help! God bless you Wiley at least you’re at peace."

Luke, Worcester said: "We knew Ben from Pershore, he was sound lad that lost his way, thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, he shouldn't of gone this way."