A "popular and much-loved" student died by suicide after falling from a university building, an inquest has heard. Waleed Zahid, a medical student at Newcastle University, was training to become a doctor before he took his own life on April 21.
A recent inquest into the 23-year-old's death heard how the young man's body was found near the 55 Degrees North building on Swan House roundabout in Newcastle city centre. He sustained multiple traumatic injuries after the fall from the 11th floor.
Prior to his passing, Waleed had secured a placement as a newly qualified junior doctor in Birmingham, reports Chronicle Live. It was heard that he had previously been absent from uni and had requested to see one of their counsellors.
Waleed contacted the university on April 18 asking if he could be seen by a counsellor on a Saturday or if they could provide private counselling. He was told that neither of these were possible but the institution would provide an appointment as soon as they could. They also provided him with details of 24/7 support services.
In a statement, which was read to the coroner's court, Waleed's friend explained how he had struggled with his mental health. On one occasion, he messaged friends in a WhatsApp group saying he had come up with a "plan". On the day of his death he messaged saying: "I had a good run boys. Take care of yourselves."
His friend, who lives in 55 Degrees North, said Waleed had visited him on many occasions. He said they would hang out, talk and play video games and he knew the building well.
He said that, on the day of Waleed's death, he saw police in the area and tried to call Waleed three times. There was no answer and he later discovered he had died.
The court heard how Waleed, who had no alcohol or drugs in his system at the time of his death, had also sent a letter to another friend. It indicated his intention to take his own life.
Senior Coroner Georgina Nolan agreed with the medical cause of death provided following a post mortem examination - multiple traumatic injuries following a fall from height. She recorded a conclusion of suicide.
The coroner told the court: "I note that he had sent a message prior to his death explaining how he was feeling and indicating that he had come up with a plan. And also sent a text message to a group what's app which read 'I had a good run boys, take care of yourself'. That having been sent at 1pm on the day that he died.
"It seems to me, I am satisfied, there's clearly evidence that Waleed Zahid took his own life and he intended to do it. There was no significant toxicology findings."
Following the inquest, Professor Steve Jones, Head of School of Medicine at Newcastle University, paid tribute to Waleed. He said: "Waleed was a very popular and much-loved member of our community, who will be greatly missed by his fellow students and staff at our Medical School.
"He was a dedicated student and had all the qualities of a good doctor in the making. He made a positive impact on those he met and we are so sad that he will not get to fulfil his medical ambitions. Our deepest condolences go to Waleed’s family, friends and everyone who knew him."
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