A 'bright and clever' teenager took her own life at home after experiencing gender identity issues, an inquest has heard.

Melodie Rose Pinckney, 14, was found dead at her home in Park View, Folkestone by family on the morning of January 4 this year.

At an inquest into her death, held yesterday at Archbishops' Palace in Maidstone, assistant coroner Sonia Hayes gave the cause of death as hanging.

During the hearing, attended by Melodie's parents, the coroner explained the Brockhill Park Performing Arts College student had previously attended counselling sessions at school in 2019.

Melodie, who also went by Sam, had been referred for counselling for problems with minor self harm and gender identity issues. The inquest was told during the hearing Melodie would be referred to as she.

She had attended five sessions and during these explained she had been openly talking with friends and her mum which made her feel more comfortable.

She had also been on outings and presented as Sam, the hearing was told.

In the last session, in September 2019, she had talked positively and did not need further sessions.

Melodie had a good group of friends who supported her and had many interests including music, Japanese anime and Cosplay.

She was described as a bright student who did well in school.

A police officer said there had been some 'name-calling' at school but no bullying.

Melodie was close to her family, and could talk openly with her mum, and the night before she died had shared pizza with her brother and his girlfriend.

They had brought her back a latte from McDonald’s before going to bed, describing Melodie as being in a 'happy and chirpy mood'.

Paramedics were called the next morning but Melodie could not be saved.

Toxicology showed nothing of significance in her system and police ruled out any suspicious circumstances.

Some writings were found by Melodie in her bedroom but it is thought these had been written months before her death.

Her father, Anthony, noted that Melodie was quite down a few months before her death but had picked up and did not seem depressed at the time.

Ms Hayes said she had to decide whether Melodie intended to take her own life or was “messing about, for want of another expression” or experimenting.

After an adjournment the coroner gave a verdict of suicide.

She said: “I find that she was finding the transition to adulthood a struggle.

“She had been referred to a counsellor for gender identity issues and the self harm.

“She had lots of creative outlets and no absence of friends. She was from a loving family and felt loved.

"However, there were some dark thoughts.”

Ms Hayes passed her condolences to the family.

Melodie's family are planning a tribute to the teenager this month, to mark what would have been her 15th birthday.

They are raising money to buy solar lights to illuminate the zig zag path in Folkestone. To donate, visit here .

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time. If you want to talk to someone confidentially, click here

Stonewall provide help for young people experiencing gender identity issues and can be contacted here.

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