A teenager tragically took his own life after struggling at school, an inquest heard.
Thomas Davidson-Hetherington, 15, was reported missing after visiting family in Cumbria. His body was later found in the Blackford area of Carlisle.
An inquest held at Cockermouth Coroners' Court on October 18 heard how the teen was discovered on his grandfather's Cumbrian farm in February. He was described by his mum, Gillian Davidson, as a bright kid who managed to thrive academically despite his dyslexia, Lancs Live reports.
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Before his death, Thomas was known to be having trouble with his friendship group in school. The court heard how he struggled with rumours being spread about him in the week leading up to his death.
Gillian told the court: "Thomas went missing on the evening of February 13, 2022. When he left he said he was going for a walk, gave me a hug and I remember telling him to take his phone because there were places he could get stuck in the surrounding areas.
"He was happy and healthy as a child. Whilst at school there were no concerns raised, like any young boy he wanted to have fun and his concentration suffered from this but there were never any concerns about something like ADHD.
"Thomas was diagnosed with dyslexia when he was seven years old. Due to working at home because of Covid he had gone up a few sets and looked like he was on a good trajectory."
She added that Thomas was having trouble with his friends after rumours were spread about him, leading to his friendships breaking down. After returning to school following the Covid lockdown, Thomas began suffering from exhaustion and sickness which his mum believed could have been related to anxiety - but this was never proved.
On February 13, while visiting his grandfather's farm for Sunday lunch, Thomas left the house and was soon reported missing. After an in-depth search, his body was discovered by his uncle Neil, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
He left a note for his family in which he told them he loved them and referred to the problems with his friends. In concluding the case, Dr Nicolas Shaw said: "Thomas Davidson-Hetherington died at his grandparent's farm on February 13, 2022.
"He had been distressed by the breakdown of friendships at school. He left a note indicating his feelings and took his own life."
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