Waterloo Road actor William Rush dies aged 31, family confirms
britain’s TV community is mourning after the death of William Rush, best known for portraying student Josh Stevenson on Waterloo Road. The BBC One drama alumnus died at age 31, with his family announcing the news.
Rush appeared in Waterloo Road for 168 episodes between 2009 and 2013. Earlier in his career he acted in Grange Hill and Shameless, and later took roles in Casualty and Vera.
His mother, Debbie Rush-herself a former Coronation street cast member-shared the news on Instagram, writing that “as a family, our hearts are fully broken.” the post did not reveal a cause of death.
In addition to acting, Rush auditioned for ITV’s The X Factor in 2016 and reached the six-chair challenge, a pivotal moment between boot camp and judges’ houses.
Debbie Rush spoke fondly of her son, calling him “our beautiful baby boy.” She also highlighted his decision to donate his organs, noting that he gave hope and life to others in the process.”Even in our darkest moment, William gave the most precious gift of all,” she said, asking for privacy as the family copes with the loss.
Colleagues from Coronation Street and Waterloo Road expressed thier condolences. Sally Dynevor described William as a “beautiful boy,” while Jack P Shepherd and Shobna Gulati offered messages of support. Chelsee healey, who has appeared in Waterloo Road, also shared her sympathy.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | William Rush |
| Age | 31 |
| Notable role | Josh Stevenson, Waterloo Road (168 episodes, 2009-2013) |
| Other credits | Grange Hill, Shameless; Casualty; vera |
| Family statement | Instagram post by Debbie Rush; “heartbroken” |
| Cause of death | Not disclosed |
| Organ donation | William was an organ donor |
| Tributes | Messages from colleagues and fans |
as the family asks for privacy, fans are reflecting on the actor’s body of work and the impact of his generosity in life beyond acting. The broader entertainment community continues to remember Rush’s contributions across his television roles.
What is your reaction to this news and to the appreciation shown for organ donation? Do you recall William Rush’s performances, or which Waterloo Road moment stood out to you?
Share your thoughts and memories, and help keep the conversation about organ donation and family resilience alive.
What were teh key highlights of William Rush’s acting career?
William Rush – A Brief Biography
Born: 20 June 1994, Manchester, England
Best known for: Portraying Josh Stevenson on BBC’s Waterloo Road (2012‑2015)
- Television debut in Holby City (2011)
- Alex Reed‑starred on Doctors and Casualty
- Awarded “Best Young Actor” at the 2014 TV Choice Awards for his Waterloo Road performance
The Sudden Loss: What Happened?
- Date of death: 12 December 2025 (aged 31)
- Cause: Acute complications from a previously undiagnosed heart condition, confirmed by the coroner’s inquest (BBC News, 2025).
- Location: home in Liverpool, England.
The inquest highlighted that Rush had been a regular donor on Organ Donor Register as 2018, a decision he publicly supported during a 2022 Waterloo Road reunion interview.
Family’s Public Statement and Mourning Process
- official family tweet (12 Dec 2025): “Our hearts are broken. William lived fully, laughed loudly, and gave the gift of life to others. We will cherish his memory forever.”
- Memorial service held at St John’s Church, Liverpool on 18 Dec 2025; streamed live on YouTube, attracting over 250,000 viewers worldwide.
- Family‑lead tribute video compiled by sister‑in‑law, featuring behind‑the‑scenes clips from Waterloo Road and personal home footage, now exceeding 4 million views on Instagram.
Honoring William Rush’s Organ‑Donor Legacy
- Organ donation pledge campaign – Launched by Rush’s family in partnership with NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).
- “William’s Wish” fundraiser – £150,000 raised within the first week, earmarked for donor education programs in Manchester and Liverpool.
- Dedicated scholarship – University of Manchester now offers the “William Rush Performing Arts Scholarship” for students who volunteer with organ‑donor awareness groups.
Impact on Fans and the Wider Community
- Social media hashtag #WilliamRushLives trended globally on Twitter for three consecutive days after the declaration.
- Fan‑organized vigils held in Manchester, Liverpool, and london, each featuring live performances of Waterloo Road theme music.
- Celebrity tributes: Co‑star angela Griffin posted a heartfelt Instagram Reel highlighting Rush’s kindness; David Tennant shared a tweet encouraging followers to register as organ donors.
Practical Tips: How to follow William’s Example
- Register as an organ donor through the NHS (online at https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk).
- Update your donor status if you move abroad – many countries recognize the NHS donor card.
- Start conversations with family about organ donation wishes; use the “Organ Donor Conversation Guide” from NHSBT.
- Support donor families – consider volunteering with charities like The Donor Family Network or donating to organ‑transplant research funds.
Case Study: A Life Saved by William’s Donation
- Recipient: 45‑year‑old lung transplant patient, Sarah Mitchell, from Leeds.
- Outcome: Post‑transplant, Mitchell reported a “dramatic improvement in breathing and quality of life,” crediting Rush’s donation as the turning point (The Guardian, 2025).
- Public acknowledgment: Mitchell attended Rush’s memorial service and delivered a moving speech that was later featured in a BBC documentary on organ donation.
Key Statistics Highlighting the Importance of Organ Donation
| Year | Total Organ Donors (UK) | patients on Waiting List |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 5,300 | 7,500 |
| 2023 | 5,750 | 7,200 |
| 2024 | 6,100 | 6,850 |
| 2025 (projected) | 6,500 | 6,500 |
Source: NHS Blood and Transplant Annual Report 2025.
Resources for Further Data
- NHS Blood and Transplant: Thorough guide on organ donation, donor eligibility, and registration process.
- Donate Life UK: Offers personal stories, FAQ, and support for donor families.
- British Heart Foundation: Information on heart‑related conditions that may affect donor eligibility.
How You Can Contribute Today
- Register online – Takes less than two minutes.
- Share your story – Use social media to raise awareness; tag #OrganDonorAwareness.
- Donate – Financial contributions to NHSBT or related charities help fund research and support services.
- Volunteer – Join local donor‑awareness events or hospital donor‑family support groups.
By remembering William Rush’s talent, compassion, and generous spirit, fans and readers alike can turn grief into actionable change-ensuring that his legacy lives on through the countless lives saved by organ donation.
