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Student took his life on graduation day after failing degree

14:47, 02 October 2019

updated: 21:12, 02 October 2019

A student took his life on the day of his graduation after failing his degree.

Nicholas Turner, from Tunbridge Wells, was found hanging outside his home in July this year.

Archbishop's Palace, Maidstone
Archbishop's Palace, Maidstone

An inquest at Archbishop's Palace, Maidstone, heard the 23-year-old had returned home after finishing a degree in mechanical engineering at Southampton University.

After returning home to his parents and younger sister, Nicholas took up part time work in a cafe.

Coroner Geoffrey Smith heard the keen hockey player made dinner for his family the night before his death.

At around 7am the following morning Mr Turner's father answered the front door to a woman saying a body was hanging from the front of the house in Camden Park.

Nicholas' father Geoff Turner, told the inquest the family only found out his son had failed his degree after he took his life.

Mr Smith said the result may have been "part of the motivation," for Nicholas to take his life.

He said: "I get the impression he was a likeable and liked person.

"Nicholas was a young man on the threshold of his life.

"He had finished university, with a degree or not, he appears to have kept the exact nature of certain parts of his life from his family. It's not for me to speculate."

Det Sgt Brian Smith told the inquest police seized a laptop, mobile phone and a tablet from Nicholas' bedroom and en suite bathroom.

No evidence of note was found on the tablet, while police could not access the laptop or phone as they were password protected.

The coroner ruled Nicholas Turner's death was a result of suicide.

If you need someone to speak to, Samaritans is available 24/7 on 116 123. Papyrus also runs a Hopeline for under 30s on 0800 068 41 41.

There are also local services that can help, visit tinyurl.com/releasethepressurekent to find out more.

For more information on how we can report on inquests, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridge Wells

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