A heartbroken mother whose son texted 'love you brother' to his friend before taking his life has shared a powerful message following the conclusion of his inquest.
Jakub Halani, 19, suffered multiple traumatic injuries after he jumped in front of a train at Eccles station in February. At an inquest at Bolton Coroners Court on Monday (July 3), coroner Stephen Teasdale ruled Jakub's death as a suicide after hearing he ordered a Bolt to the station, where CCTV footage showed Jakub's act appeared 'deliberate'.
Mum Kasia Halani paid tribute to her 'amazing' and 'talented' late son, telling the inquest he had 'great friends' and a 'very successful' career in music production. She is now hoping to encourage other young men to open up and share their feelings with loved ones.
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"He was a very private person, but also sometimes he would come and sit on the sofa and talk to me for two hours," Katarzyna said.
"He was very successful, and he had a great group of friends. He was very close to his sister."
The inquest heard how Jakub had adopted a nocturnal sleeping pattern, working on his music under the name 'Prod by Jak' during the night and sleeping in the day. However, friend Jacob Bailey told the court this was 'normal' for Jakub, and he never expressed any concerns about low mood or suicidal ideation.
On the day of Jakub's death (February 2), the court heard how mum Kasia had spoken to him at around 5pm, when he told her he had been 'up all night making beats'. The court heard how he was picked up by a Bolt taxi on his road at 22:39 and arrived at Eccles station at 22:37.
At 22:40, Mr Bailey received a snapchat from Jakub which said 'love you brother', along with a number of images of the pair together. Giving evidence, Mr Bailey said he thought the message was 'unusual' but was not immediately concerned by it.
CCTV from the station over the next few minutes shows Jakub on his phone, which British Transport Police officer Leanne Callan said was 'consistent' with the 'love you brother' text Mr Bailey received at 10:40.
In a statement Paul Graves, the train's driver, said: "I saw a male come out of the shadows. He jumped in front of the train. It was all over in seconds," Mr Graves said.
Jakub, of Cook Place, Salford, was pronounced dead by paramedics on the scene. A toxicology report later showed no traces of drugs or alcohol in his system.
The inquest heard that when Jakub's house was searched by investigating officers, two notes written on the back of a letter dated December 18 2022 were found screwed up at the back of his bedside drawer. One was headlined 'why', and and detailed his feelings of low mood and anxiety.
The court heard how Jakub had been referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in 2018 after attempting to self harm with a pencil and expressing that life was not worth living. He had not had involvement with formal mental health services since March 2019, when he was discharged from CAMHS after stating he was 'not ready' to engage properly in Cognitive Behavoural Therapy, the inquest heard.
"I didn't think it was a sign of anything. I thought he was struggling to express his emotions and I encouraged him to talk to me," Kasia said. "Nothing was taboo in our house."
Kasia said Jakub's death was a 'complete shock' and she had 'no idea' Jakub was struggling with his mood. "If there is one message to come out of this, I want it to be please, please talk," she said.
Following the conclusion to the inquest, Jakub's mum released a touching statement paying tribute to him. It read: "I’m sitting here with my son.
"Son, who is not in his physical world now but is present forever in spirit. He was such a lovely boy. He was always conscious of other people’s needs and feelings, protective towards his sister and mum and dedicated to his love of music.
"We are struggling to accept that he chose this action, however we will always continue to find solace in his music and tunes and the memories left behind along with kindness and love he spread.
"He was someone who took pride in having loyal friends and being loyal to them himself. Someone, who took pride in the way he presented himself. He often felt that he had the ability to sense others and their intentions.
"He wouldn’t fake anything. He wouldn’t invest himself in any relationship that didn’t feel right. He was a lad’s lad.
"He stood by his word. He didn’t like to be the centre of attention; he was extremely humble and polite.
"To ask for help, I feel, was a weakness in his view, while to offer help and being helpful was always his strength. He loved to laugh and have a good time.
"He treasured memories with people he respected. He didn’t have to see someone or meet them in person to collaborate with them and treat them the way they deserve to be treated.
"I would say he didn’t play any games. He made it clear that his family was the most important thing in his life. He had a view that people should be true to themselves and be happy.
"They should be free and express themselves the way the want to. Colour, race, nationality didn’t matter to my son.
"He accepted and loved anybody who was true to themselves and didn’t follow others. He respected you if you had your own opinion.
"He was a true friend to many. Many lives were deeply affected by Jakub’s transition.
"Nobody knew what was coming and why this has happened. He respected adults, who took time on seeing a mature human in him, not just a teenager who doesn’t know anything.
"He was inspired by a few people, for example, his English teacher from high school Mr Muneer, his football family Tracey and Jim Keelan from Deans Youth and Ladies Football Club and his music manager Ray.
"I feel so privileged to have been Jakub’s mum for 19 years he gave me, to stand by his side. He was the best son any parent would wish to have and an exceptional brother to his younger sister.
"Like he stated himself many times “nobody, nobody will get away with hurting my little sister”! As shocking as it was to find him missing and leaving the house quietly and the traumatically finding what had happened, we are proud of PRODBYJAK, the talented musician from Salford, Manchester.
"He is and will always be part of us that is unique, and we love him with all our being. Here is to JAKSWORLD!!!"
In a bid to preserve Jakub's musical legacy, his family hope people will continue to watch his YouTube channel here and visit this website.
