A 14-year-old boy who hanged himself may not have intended to take his own life, a coroner has ruled. Alfie James Watson was found on February 25 and rushed to hospital, but his brain injuries were so severe that he died two days later.
Coroner Richard Taylor said it was impossible to know the 14-year-old's true intentions. The inquest heard evidence in statements submitted by Alfie's parents who said he had seemed otherwise happy in the days leading up to his death.
He had become upset the night before but the reason was unknown, reports LancsLive. His mum, Sonhia Truesdale, said Alfie has struggled with his mental health but did not believe he had intended to end his life and said he would never hurt himself "in a million years".
She said he was looking forward to going on holiday, while his father Andrew Watson also spoke of making plans with him.
On the day he was found, he had discussed being angry and upset, Mr Taylor explained. A police investigation found no evidence of suspicious circumstances or third party involvement. A statement from a consultant paediatrician who treated Alfie explained he had suffered a cardiac arrest and although he was resuscitated, his brain injuries were too significant.
Concluding the inquest, Mr Taylor said: "Alfie James Watson died on February 27, 2023 at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital having suspended himself on February 25. His intentions at the time cannot be determined."
In a tribute posted on Facebook, Alfie's club Blackburn side Mill Jill Juniors FC said: "Alfie started his football journey as 5 yr old with Little Lions before starting his grassroots journey with us at U7s through to U14s. He had a infectious smile and a wicked right foot amongst many more key attributes to being our champion."
