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.
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"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."
It is tragic, the suicide note suggests he was overcome by guilt for doing something which I am sure wasn't as bad as he felt it was. Keeping things inside can make them seem worse than they are.
If only he had opened up to someone maybe it was something he could of worked through instead taking his own life.
Very sad.
It is tragic, the suicide note suggests he was overcome by guilt for doing something which I am sure wasn't as bad as he felt it was. Keeping things inside can make them seem worse than they are.
If only he had opened up to someone maybe it was something he could of worked through instead taking his own life.
I'd say he probably had a depressive illness and this is what prompted him to make a study of such an area. It's much easier nowadays for somebody feeling ghastly and contemplating self-harm to locate a source of relief and treatment but we certainly have a long way to go. You still hear horror stories about the cynicism and indifference of society.
I'd say he probably had a depressive illness and this is what prompted him to make a study of such an area. It's much easier nowadays for somebody feeling ghastly and contemplating self-harm to locate a source of relief and treatment but we certainly have a long way to go. You still hear horror stories about the cynicism and indifference of society.
Posted by: Sue, Southampton on 6:50am Sat 10 May 08
Southampton is the most depressing place to live. It is awful. It was nice to read someone in Bristol was concerned to see if he needed help. It certainly would not happen in Southampton - they would walk on by.
Southampton is the most depressing place to live. It is awful. It was nice to read someone in Bristol was concerned to see if he needed help. It certainly would not happen in Southampton - they would walk on by.
I must agree with Sue.
Locals are the most self conscious and insecure folk I've ever come across. Constantly boasting and criticising - and many of them seem to delight in the distress of others.
I must agree with Sue.
Locals are the most self conscious and insecure folk I've ever come across. Constantly boasting and criticising - and many of them seem to delight in the distress of others.
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