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Kian Southway, 15, struggled to adapt to lockdown and was also worried about not being able to sit his exams, Wales Online reports. 

His inquest heard he died as a result of hanging on March 31 last year.

Kian was bright, he was popular, and he was a joy to teach. He loved school and he loved being out with the boys

Kian’s school, Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda

The talented kickboxer and rugby player had put up a Snapchat message in the evening before his suicide, and his younger sister Darcey alerted their parents.

Pontypridd Coroners’ Court heard Kian missed school during lockdown and worried about not being able to sit exams and having to rely on predicted grades.

A statement from Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda told to the court read: “Kian was bright, he was popular, and he was a joy to teach. He loved school and he loved being out with the boys.

“He always had A*s and As but when he got results he did get some Bs. We probably did give him a little bit of a hard time.”

Kian’s Snapchat was seen by his friends, some of whom told the court the lad had also been upset about a relationship with a girl.

One friend, who had spoken to the teenager prior to his death, said in a statement: “At first Kian and I were just talking about normal stuff and he asked if he could tell me something. I told Kian he could tell me anything.

“He chatted about a girl. I didn’t really know what to say to him. Kian didn’t mention anything to me that made me think he would try and harm himself. It was around 9pm to 9.30pm. That was the last conversation I had with him.

“The last message I had was a picture message on Snapchat. I didn’t see the message until about 1am.”

The girl Kian had been seeing more of leading up to his death also provided a statement to the coroner. She said they weren’t in a relationship but described them as being “more than just friends”.

They had known each other since being in year six but became closer after spending time together at a house party prior to lockdown. The hearing was told Kian became upset when the pair started to talk less.

Her statement read: “I last saw Kian the weekend prior to his death. We had a bit of a tiff but I wouldn’t say it was a fight or an argument. I wouldn’t always reply straightaway to Kian’s messages but I didn’t reply to anyone else’s either.

“I found out what had happened on March 27. I was forwarded a Snapchat story.”

After his family found Kian, they took him to hospital where medics desperately tried to save him.

Kian’s mother, Jolene Southway, told of the grief she’s suffered since her loss.

“When he broke up with his first girlfriend he was crying in his room and she [mum] said: ‘Don’t be silly – there are plenty more fish in the sea’,” read a statement.

Ms Southway’s statement also explained the family wasn’t aware Kian had been involved with a girl until more recently. She said when they asked him where he was going before the pandemic Kian simply replied: “Out.”

The statement added: “Which was odd because he always told us where he was going. He text us saying he was at a girl’s house.”

Ms Southway mentioned in her statement that Kian once listened to a talk about a woman who contemplated suicide in the Brecon Beacons but someone saved her. When the family once went to Pen y Fan Kian wanted Ms Southway to take him to this area.

In the statement she said: “Kian wanted me to take him to where the lady spoke about. It was strange how Kian had wanted to visit the area where the woman had wanted to end her life.”

Recording a conclusion of suicide, coroner Thomas Atherton said: “I must be satisfied that Kian at the time intended to carry out his own death. Taking into account all the evidence I’m satisfied on this particular occasion that the death of Kian was one of suicide.

“It’s tragic when a young person dies but this is a greater tragedy when you take into account the circumstances of a young man with a loving family and close friends.”

For help: Samaritans (116 123) or email [email protected] operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year

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