A 14-year-old boy with an 'infectious smile' who was found dead may not have intended to end his life, an inquest has heard.
Alfie James Watson, who had 'struggled with his mental health', was tragically found on February 25 and rushed to hospital. His brain injuries were so severe that he died at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital two days later.
An inquest at Blackburn Old Town Hall on Wednesday (June 7) heard evidence from 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 he was found injured but the reason was unknown, LancsLive reports.
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His mum, Sophia Truesdale, said Alfie had '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 added that 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, Coroner Mr Richard 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.
In a tribute paid in the days after his death, Alfie, who was a keen footballer and played for Mill Hill Juniors FC, was remembered as a having an 'infectious smile'.
In a tribute posted on Facebook, the club said: "Sadly Alfie died this week and we are all very devastated at the sudden and sobering news of his passing. We cannot try to think what his family are going through at this very upsetting time. As a club we will try to support them in giving Alfie the respect he deserves when all of our teams come together this weekend in a minutes silence.
"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."
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."
Coroner Richard Taylor declined to deliver a conclusion of suicide and said it was impossible to know the 14-year-old's true intentions.
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