Yalding teenager James Corcoran's death was suicide
Published: 17:17, 23 October 2018
Updated: 17:32, 23 October 2018
A 15-year-old boy who died suddenly was found to have hanged himself, an inquest revealed.
James Corcoran, a pupil at Mascalls Academy in Paddock Wood described as a young schoolboy with much to look forward to, was found tragically hanging at his home in Mount Avenue, Yalding.
His sister had returned home from work at around 4.20pm on Saturday, June 16 to discover the much-loved youngster.
Paramedics arrived shortly afterwards and pronounced James dead despite his sister and her boyfriend performing CPR.
Evidence presented to Coroner Ian Wade at Archbishop's Palace today showed how concerns for the normally happy boy had first been raised in October last year.
James, said to be a characterful, charming, and popular pupil, was recommended by his school for a wellbeing programme but stopped attending after the first session.
Later, in March 2018 he told staff he was feeling low and a process of referring him to Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust began.
A referral form was completed one month later.
In the days leading up to his death, friends said he had been lying on the floor of the school bus listening to sad music and became withdrawn.
While the inquest did not go into detail about the cause of James' low mood, coroner Ian Wade said: "I am aware of certain matters that I'm perfectly sure would have caused him great anguish and upset.
"It seems to me that there are many reasons we might regard him as in turmoil and tumultuous events in his life were causing him distress.
"He was having trouble adjusting to crises in life but he was the object of caring attention.
"Right across the board he was plainly looked after at home. The school was taking steps."
Mr Wade concluded that the teenager had committed suicide, adding: "There is nothing more that any of us can do but share our sympathy and condolences.
"I hope that James is remembered for the lovely, lively little boy that he was."
Tributes poured in after James' sudden death with grieving loved ones sharing their memories.
A fundraiser for children's mental health charity Young Minds set up in his honour brought in more than £1,200.
If you need help on an emotional issue you can call the Samaritans free, at any time, on 116 123.
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