A YOUNG man took his own life after losing money to scammers, an inquest has heard.
Keiron Mullins Bunn, 18, was found dead in woodland in February last year.
Messages discovered after his death revealed the teenager had fallen victim to a financial scam, and panicked when he realised his money had gone.
An inquest at Middlesbrough Town Hall heard how the budding mechanic had been to to work at McDonald’s as usual, and left at around 11pm.
Assistant coroner Benjamin Haigh said a colleague had described Keiron as his usual “funny, chatty self” before his death.
However the student at Middlesbrough College sent a group message to his friends, telling them how he had been feeling.
The Eston teenager was discovered in woodland a short time later.
The inquest was told how a number of messages were later found that showed Keiron had lost his money to a scammer.
Mr Haigh said: “It is very poignant as to how these messages had made him feel.”
Keiron, who had dreams of having his own garage, was described as always having a smile.
His devastated family said: “An amazing young man, so caring, funny and kind.
“He loved the outdoors, mountain biking, watersports and walking the family’s two dogs.
“Like any young man, he enjoyed a good night out, but never got into any trouble.”
The assistant coroner recorded a verdict of suicide.
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,www.headstogether.org.uk
- HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans,www.samaritans.org, 116 123
