An Oxford University PhD student, who was found dead last month, was the child of a Fast Show actor. 

Cal Shearer, 25, died at their home in Leckford Road, Jericho, on Wednesday, October 30.

They were the child of Paul Shearer and former children's TV presenter Vicky Licorish. 

Cal's father was also involved with Cambridge University's Footlights ensemble along with the likes of Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson and Hugh Laurie. 

A total of £8,146.72 has been raised through a tribute page set up in Cal's memory for the Samaritans and Gendered Intelligence. 

READ MORE: Tributes flood in after 'much-valued' Oxford PhD student dies

An inquest was opened into the 25-year-old's death by area coroner Nicholas Graham on November 7 at Oxford Coroner's Court.

The student was diagnosed with autism in 2018, and came out as transgender around the same time, an online tribute has said. 

Their love of animals has also been made clear by friends.

Cal was a volunteer at Oxford Nightline, a mental health charity. 

Former colleagues have been writing tributes to Cal, with one saying: “I'll never forget how they brought such deep compassion to everything they did - from training new volunteers to simply being there for anyone who needed support.

"Working alongside them, I was always in awe of their endless willingness to do more, to reach just one more person who might be struggling. Cal made our whole community more caring, more understanding. 

“They were a guiding light in our organisation, and their spirit touched so many lives. I'll always be inspired by them, and will cherish every moment I had with them.”

Another comment said: “I am writing on behalf of Oxford Samaritans, where Cal volunteered, listening through the night, with patience and compassion, and always without judgement.

"Our hearts go out to all who knew and loved Cal and we share in the profound sense of loss felt by everyone whose life was touched by their kindness and dedication.”

A tribute from Oxford Nightline added: “Cal showed a huge commitment to their volunteering, and always wanted to ensure that we were doing the best we could for our Nightlines, and giving them the support that they needed. Their death is a tragic reminder of the importance of the work that Nightlines do.

“While Cal may be gone, they continue to live on through the many lives they have touched both directly and indirectly.

"Every caller to every Nightline will continue to feel this impact for years to come. Cal’s legacy in Nightline is the high-quality service received by those countless callers who will never even know Cal’s name.”

  • The Samaritans can be contacted 24/7 through the helpline 116 123. 

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