An inquest reveals the heartbreaking story of Leiha Tooke, a bright student who took her own life just before her second year at university.
Durham: It’s such a sad story about a young woman named Leiha Tooke. She was just 19 and a chemistry student at Durham University. Sadly, she died by suicide in her university room.
Her family found her after she missed a training event. They were worried and went to check on her. It’s heartbreaking to think about how they must have felt. The inquest revealed that she had been struggling with her mental health.
Leiha had talked to someone at the university about feeling suicidal a month before her death. Her parents, Magdalena and Chris, shared how close they were and how much they loved her. They described her as an extraordinary person who brought joy to many.
She was a bright student and had always done well in school. But university life was tough for her. Her family noticed she was feeling the pressure and tried to support her. They even suggested she could change her course if it was too much.
Magdalena mentioned that Leiha was excited to start her second year but was also dealing with personal issues. It’s so tragic that they didn’t see the signs of her distress. The night before she passed, she sent loving messages to her family, which makes it even harder to understand.
The coroner confirmed that Leiha had been receiving support from the university, but it wasn’t enough to prevent this tragedy. It’s a reminder of how important mental health support is, especially for students facing academic pressures.
Durham University does offer counseling services, and it’s crucial for students to reach out if they’re struggling. If you or someone you know is feeling this way, please talk to someone. There are helplines and support groups available to help.
