'First class' student, 19, found dead on morning of university exam

A 'first class' student was found dead on the morning of an exam he was 'anxious' about, an inquest has heard. Ben Trueman was determined to study at the University of Manchester so he could be closer to his girlfriend, who had moved from their hometown Worcester to Salford a year earlier.

The 19-year-old pharmacy student was excelling in his studies and university staff had no concerns or warnings about Mr Trueman's mental health, an inquest at Manchester Coroners Court heard on June 1. But after suffering 'low mood' for five years and facing a breakdown in his relationship, Mr Trueman was found hanged in his room at Unsworth Park university halls, on Fallowfield Campus.

Appearing via videolink from the family home, dad Dr Laurence Trueman told the inquest that his son claimed he wanted to 'kill himself' on occasion as a younger teenager - but his family believed the comments were being said out of 'teenage bravado' rather than with an intention to harm himself. Mr Trueman completed his GCSEs and A-levels, improving his grades in the second year of sixth form.

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Dr Trueman said he had suggested his son tried to apply for universities in clearing that summer, but he instead took a gap year so he could move to Manchester the following year, to be closer to his girlfriend. "He thought it was a good idea," said Dr Trueman.

"But what actually happened was he spent most of that year pining after his girlfriend. He spent a lot of time in his bedroom, in the dark. We encouraged him to get dress and go out with friends who were still in the area but he really spent much time in his bedroom."

The court heard Mr Trueman secured a place to study