Student killed himself after photographing suicide venues

12:46pm Friday 9th May 2008

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A STUDENT who was carrying out a project photographing sites where people commit suicide was found hanging from a tree, an inquest heard today.

Christian Drane was studying at Southampton Solent University when his body was discovered in woods in the Polygon area of the city on March 16 this year.

Police Constable Sam Weller told the Southampton inquest that friends had told him that they knew no reason why Mr Drane, who had a part-time job at the city's Walkabout bar, would take his own life.

He said that his inquiries had found that the Mr Drane had been conducting a project photographing suicide sites.

During one visit he had been approached by a member of the public concerned for his well-being.

He said: "For a recent project he would visit sites people used for committing suicide.

"One site was in Bristol, a notorious bridge where suicides happened quite frequently.

"He told a friend that when he was stood on the bridge a member of the public asked if he was all right and those sorts of questions."

Of Mr Drane's death, PC Weller added: "It is one of those unsolved mysteries.

"I spoke to a number of students who knew him very well and colleagues from the pub and they gave me no indication why or any reason for this act to have been done - nothing at all."

A suicide note left by Mr Drane, originally from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, which was read to the hearing, said: "To mum and anybody that cares. I have done something I can never forgive myself for.

"I am a bad person. I am sorry. I love you.'' Deputy Southampton Coroner Gordon Denson recorded a verdict that Mr Dreane took his own life and expressed his condolences to the family.

Speaking after the inquest, a spokeswoman for Southampton Solent University said that counselling was on offer to any student affected by Mr Drane's death.

She added: "Southampton Solent University extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Christian Drane.

"We were shocked and saddened by the death of this bright young student whose life was cut tragically short.

"While at the university, Christian showed no signs that he was unhappy or contemplating taking his own life - and he did not access any of the university's support services.

"Indeed, Christian was a bright and popular student who was on target to achieve a 2:1 in his photography degree.

"His death has been felt deeply by his fellow students and lecturers."