Tragedy as Nottingham schoolboy, 12 ‘could have taken his personal life by mistake’
Riley Townsend was found dead in his bedroom at his Nottingham home – a coroner said it may have happened when ‘a sensory exploration went wrong’
A heartbreaking inquest into the death of a 12-year-old boy found hanged at home has heard that he may not have intended to take his own life. Riley Townsend from Nottingham was discovered in his bedroom on September 1, 2024.
His devasted mum Abi Louise Hill said she had long struggled to get her son an autism diagnosis and said he had told friends at school that tightening his school tie around his neck made him feel “floaty.”
An inquest led by coroner Amanda Bewley at Nottingham Coroner’s Court is now examining the circumstances surrounding Riley’s death. The youngster from Sutton-in-Ashfield, received an ADHD diagnosis in November 2021, but his autism spectrum disorder assessment at the time proved “inconclusive, ” Nottinghamshire Live reports.
The hearing was told that Riley was scheduled to undergo a “managed move” from Quarrydale Academy to Ashfield School from September 3, following multiple exclusions due to his conduct.
Tim Paling, headteacher at Quarrydale Academy, explained the transfer would allow Riley to return to the school if he chose and he “fully expected” him to do so. During an incident that occurred during break time at Quarrydale, Riley pressed his tie against his throat until he nearly lost consciousness before a friend stepped in.
Mr Paling informed the court that when Riley was questioned about his actions, he told staff that pressing his tie against his neck made him feel “floaty”. The incident led to an investigation into the possibility of a sensory issue.
Riley’s mother, Abi, described the week leading up to her son’s tragic demise as “terrible”, characterising it as “one thing after another”.
This included Riley making a prank call to the police claiming his mum was serving him gin, and his father receiving a video later that same day that seemed to depict Riley inebriated and self-harming.
The court learned that the youngster had begun self-harming between April and May 2024, explaining to his mum, “an ex-girlfriend told me it makes you feel better so I tried it, but I don’t [feel better]”.
His mum further revealed that Riley was reluctant to discuss his feelings, viewing it as a sign of weakness.
On August, 28 another incident unfolded when Riley snatched salt and pepper pots from a table and smashed them further up the street. Abi subsequently informed Riley’s social worker about these recent events, expressing her concern that the boy was “a risk to himself and everyone around him”.
When the social worker met with Riley on 29 August, he “seemed in good spirits”. The court also heard about Riley’s fascination with knives, which led his family to secure all knives and razors in a safe.
DI Nicole Milner, from Nottinghamshire Police, informed the court that 17 videos were discovered on Riley’s phone following his death, with 16 of them recorded on August 26.
The “distressing” footage captured Riley admitting he was intoxicated, his words slurred as he declared: “Guys, I think these will be my final days on this planet. I’m just drinking and drinking and no one is here for me.”
Investigators also discovered a notebook which, whilst not belonging to him, contained his handwriting. The notebook featured a sketch of a stick figure suspended from a tree alongside several disturbing messages including “depression hit, might as well quit”, “500mg paracetamol”, “death is around the corner” and “overdose”.
Ms Hill revealed in a statement delivered to the court: “Riley raised to me that he’d been hearing voices, which I raised during an appointment but was told it was quite common with ADHD.
“As years passed, his behaviour came with lots of challenges. From destroying our home to causing chaos in the community, he then began self-harming. I tried my hardest each time to support him. I referred him to CAMHS but he didn’t meet the threshold and I self-referred to social services.”
In a touching tribute to her beloved son, Abi painted a picture of Riley as possessing “the best sense of humour, a joy to be around and someone who knew how to make people laugh and smile”.
She added: “Riley was a very popular boy and had so many friends. He was very easily led, which sometimes got him into trouble. He was such a devoted big brother and uncle and had so much love to give.
“He loved playing football and put his all into the team he played for. When Riley was good, he was amazing. He was such a character and made everyone laugh with his jokes, dance and banter.
“He was such a talented, handsome young boy. He just struggled mentally. He was kind, caring and put others before himself. He loved his family and friends more than anything and when he threw insults around, we knew that wasn’t the real Riley because he had such a big heart.
“I just wish more than anything that there was more support out there for Riley. I do believe, as his parents, we tried our very best to get him the support he needed.”
Coroner Bewley agreed, stating she didn’t think Riley meant to end his life. She said: “Having seen the actions that you took, I agree that, as a family, you were trying your best to get Riley the support he needed.
“I felt that the evidence was [that Riley’s actions were] more likely than not a sensory exploration that went wrong and [taking his own life] was not at all what he intended to do.”
The hearing continues.
