A 15-YEAR-OLD whose body was found after he went missing earlier this year took his own life, an inquest has concluded.

Thomas Davidson Hetherington, of Newcastle, died on February 13, 2022, north of Carlisle.

The pupil at Jesmond Park Academy was found by his uncle Neil Davidson at his grandparents' farm Wideopen Dykes, Blackford, after going missing.

The inquest heard he had accessed a shotgun from the farm's gun cabinet and took his own life after becoming distressed because of the breakdown of his friendships. He left a note for his family.

Thomas had been at the farm with his family - where they went every Sunday for dinner - and had spent time on the computer. He told his mother Gillian Davidson he was going for a walk but didn't come back for tea.

Thomas was born on November 29, 2006. He attended St Gabriel's Nursery on Heaton's Chillingham Road as a youngster before going on to Ravenswood Primary School. 

The teenager, who was diagnosed with dyslexia aged seven, was described as 'bright' by his mother. He had gone up a set during Covid while working from home and was on a good trajectory, she said.

Around two weeks before he died, Thomas was experiencing nausea and exhaustion. His mother said now looking back, this could have been anxiety-related.

The inquest also heard how Thomas' best friend had been excluded by the wider friendship group. Thomas himself was then excluded and his new friends no longer wanted to spend time with him because of rumours circulating.

Police found messages on his phone with one indicating suicidal thoughts; the recipient told a teacher who informed the police.

On February 9, Thomas also searched how much bleach was lethal.

Coroner Dr Nick Shaw expressed his condolences to the family and ruled a conclusion of suicide at Cockermouth Coroner's Court.

Thomas' school said it had given assemblies and sent letters after his death, letting pupils know support was available.

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