Schoolboy, 13, found hanged in wood did not intend to kill himself, inquest told
A teenage boy who was found hanged in the woods did not intend to take his own life, an inquest heard.
Tragic Jai Palermo was discovered dead in January 2020 in a grassy area about four miles from Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire, Wales, just hours after going missing following a family disagreement. The 13-year-old, who had ADHD, dyspraxia, and suffered with sleeping difficulties from the age of six, was described as "happy-go-lucky and adventurous".
An inquest at Haverfordwest County Hall heard that his mum Nia Owen "fell to the floor" when she heard he was found - and a coroner ruled Jai might not have understood what he was doing. Coroner Paul Bennett said his condition meant Jai may have been "unable to understand the fatal consequences" of his actions after an "emotional reaction" to the argument.
Jai had ADHD and dyspraxia (WALES NEWS SERVICE)
The 13-year-old was described as 'happy-go-lucky and adventurous' (WALES NEWS SERVICE)Acting senior coroner for Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, Paul Bennett, heard from Nia that Jai had gone to his grandmother's house after school. Later that evening he was dropped off at his home but then left the property alone. Around five hours later, he was tragically found in a field near the home.
A post-mortem carried out confirmed the cause of death as "pressure on neck". His mother said: "He was very busy from a young age, would give anything a go, had no fear."
Teen 'kept as slave, starved and beaten' sues adoptive parents and authorities
She said Jai was in the Scouts, and a kayaking club and had plans to see his dad and to go on his first date with his girlfriend on the forthcoming weekend. Jai was found shortly before 1am on January 23, 2020, with police saying it was "sudden and unexplained" with "nothing to suggest foul play or third party involvement".
Mum Nia said she was informed by a police officer that her son had taken his own life. She said: "Two officers came in and I remember thinking ‘he’s not with them, maybe he’s in the car.
"The lady said they had found him and I said ‘OK’. She then said that they had found him and that he was dead. I fell to the floor. I was in complete shock. He was so close. He was just a child. He was happy, he was loved, he was given everything."
Nia told the hearing at Haverfordwest Coroner's Court she was concerned Jai had not been properly warned about the side-effects of his medication - but Mr Bennet ruled they played no part in his death. He said: "I cannot be satisfied that he intended to end his life," he said, Giving a conclusion of misadventure, he added: "It is my view that Jai felt in some way compelled to take the step he did and he did not have the ability to stop and consider the consequences of what he was doing."
If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
