A 19-year-old teenager tragically passed away after crashing his car into a tree at a speed of 95mph, leaving a brief note for his mother. The incident occurred on Alderholt Road in Somerley on February 26 last year, with forensic investigations indicating the car had not braked before hitting the tree.
During the inquest at Winchester Coroners’ Court, it was revealed that the vehicle appeared to have been intentionally driven off the road at high speed, with no attempt at avoiding the collision. The note found in the car simply said ‘Sorry Mum’, hinting at the teenager’s state of mind before the tragedy.
Prior to the crash, the teenager had exchanged messages with friends, including one where he mentioned that the following day seemed significant. Disturbingly, he had also sent a video of a car crashing into a tree on a previous occasion, indicating a troubling mindset.
According to testimonies at the inquest, the teenager had been struggling emotionally and had stopped taking his ADHD medication as it made him feel numb. His mother noted changes in his behavior in the days leading up to the incident but was unaware of the extent of his distress.
Tragically, the post-mortem examination revealed that the teenager died from multiple injuries sustained in the crash. Toxicology results showed high levels of ADHD medication in his system, which experts stated could have contributed to erratic behavior and risky decision-making.
The coroner ruled the teenager’s death as a suicide, citing the messages he sent before the incident as clear indicators of his intentions. The family expressed deep sorrow over the loss, highlighting the young man’s intelligence, achievements, and the void his passing has left in their lives.
In the wake of this tragedy, it is essential to remember that support is available for those in distress. If you or anyone you know is struggling, reach out to Samaritans for assistance and guidance.