THE family of an Oxford PhD student spoke of their heartbreak after thieves raided his flat just 48 hours after he died.

A laptop containing William DeJanes final thesis and family photos was stolen from the rented flat in Cowley Road.

Last night his parents pleaded for the return of the computer so they can publish his work as their son’s final legacy.

The 33-year-old Exeter College student died suddenly on Tuesday, March 15.

Burglars targeted his flat at about 1.30pm last Thursday.

Mr DeJanes, who was from America, had an underlying heart condition and police are not treating the death as suspicious.

Parents Gerry and Sherry Donovan flew to Oxford from their home in Kansas for his funeral on Tuesday.

Mrs Donovan said: “We are heartbroken.

“William was a brilliant student and wonderful son, who had dedicated so much time to his work.

“To have this happen on top of his death is almost too much to bear. We as a family want to publish William’s thesis as his final legacy, but we cannot do that until the laptop is returned.

“We would plead with anybody who knows where the laptop is to call police so we can honour our son’s memory.”

Mr DeJanes’s work concentrated on halting the spread of HIV and Aids among teen-agers in a South African township, where he spent time as part of his research.

He was a co-founder of the Our People Organisation, an which works with South African young people in the field of HIV prevention.

Mrs Donovan added: “It was such incredibly important work.”

The Rector of Exeter College, Frances Cairncross, said: “He was an intelligent and lively student who will be very much missed.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends and we support his family by asking anyone who has information to come forward.”

Dc Rich Allmond, from the Oxford burglary team, said: “People need to examine their consciences and come forward if they have any information about where William’s belongings are now.

“It would mean so much to his parents to have his personal items returned to them.”

A 32-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman were arrested in connection with the burglary and released on bail until April 14.

Call police on 08458 505505, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.