A teenage boy from Bexley killed himself because of a ‘dark shadow’ which he was unable to articulate to his loving family, an inquest heard.
Jamie Shand was just 16 when he took his life during the Easter holidays despite having no history of mental health problems.
The Beths Grammar School pupil’s family paid tribute to the talented and artistic boy who gained AS Levels in art and music after his death, despite never taking his final exams.
Jamie Shand
Jamie was found hanging in the attic of his family home in Brantwood Road by his brother Frankie on Saturday, April 11 - after sending a text message saying he wanted "to drift off" at 12.54pm, coroner Selena Lynch said.
London Ambulance Service were called at 4.40pm but paramedics said Jamie had been dead "for some time".
Mrs Lynch, recording a verdict of suicide, said: "I am going to record that he hanged himself at home sometime on Saturday 11, whilst the balance of his mind was disturbed.
"He was not suffering from any particular mental health problems.
"He was not remembering fully what a close and loving family he had, that would to able to help him."
A younger Jamie Shand
She told his family: "I am so sorry that was not the case with Jamie.
"It was something that was there, and he was not able to articulate that.
"I am incredibly sorry this has happened to you as a family.
"I am afraid to say that I do think he made a choice."
Grieving mother Lisa Shand said that her son had shown no signs of being suicidal.
Mrs Shand added: "The week before he died, I noticed he was a little bit low.
"But if someone had said ‘I think Jamie’s suicidal’, I would have said: ‘I’m not sure.’ "He was just my Jamie - his behaviour was completely normal.
"Even now I cannot believe it."
Jamie's friends and family during a 1,000 mile walk for YoungMinds
The family are now fundraising for mental health charity YoungMinds, and have raised £10,000 from a 1,000 mile five-day walk.
Jamie’s 81-year-old grandfather participated in the 145-mile Canal Walk, from London to Birmingham, which keen runner Jamie did when he was 12-years-old.
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His family told News Shopper: "Jamie always inspired others - and made everyone laugh.
"He could play any instrument, even a didgeridoo.
"He rode a unicycle.
"He had such an immense humour.
"We did not spot the signs with Jamie and that’s what we want to try to do - to raise awareness."
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