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A SCHOOLBOY was found dead in a school playground after running away from home, an inquest heard.
Connor Lee Mark, 13, was discovered unresponsive in the grounds of Melin Primary School in Mile End Row, South Wales, near his home, on January 29.
The teenager had been confronted about a missing bottle of vodka and an aerosol by his mum and stepdad the night before and he started “kicking off”, then stormed out of the house without his shoes.
He returned a short while later to collect them before threatening to “jump off a bridge”, and left again, the inquest heard yesterday, reports WalesOnline.
Mum Louise Morgan and stepdad Jason Clark told police Connor had made threats like this before but he usually returned and so they didn’t take it seriously.
However, nonetheless Jason went out to look for him but after walking around the street eventually returned, assistant coroner David Bennett said.
During the same evening, Louise and Jason’s friends David Morrow and Amy Winslade were visiting their home and were leaving as Louise called the police to report her son missing.
Moments later the couple heard Amy shriek “Connor, Connor!”
David had seen the teen’s body in the playground of the nearby primary school.
Former lifeguard Jason attempted to give his stepson mouth to mouth resuscitation in the six minutes before paramedics arrived.
However, Connor was declared dead at 3.43am on January 29, DC Danaher told the hearing.
Forensic pathologist Dr John Williams found the cause of death was ligature self suspension.
Traces of alcohol and cannabis were found in the teen’s system but these were not fatal levels and did not play a part in his death, the report said.
Coroner Mr Bennett recorded a narrative verdict saying the circumstances did not point to Connor intending to take his life.
He said there was “not a deliberate act” on Connor’s part to “end his own life”.
He continued: “I am not satisfied Connor intended to end his life. Intent cannot be presumed, so I give a narrative conclusion.
“We will never know but I consider it likely that he had an altercation about missing aerosol and alcohol and Connor’s temper got the better of him.”
“Acting on impulse he went to the school and took the step he did thinking someone would come looking for him before it was fatal.”
You’re Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
