A STUDENT who died after being hit by a lorry on the A34 intended to take his own life, an inquest heard.

Oliver Washington, 19, was two months into his course at Winchester University when he was pronounced dead on November 19.

According to fellow student Jessica Goldsmith, he had left his halls of residence the previous night after falling out with two other people.

In a statement read to Winchester Coroner's Court, she said: "I went to his room to see if he was okay but when he opened the door he was visibly upset.

"It was mentioned to him that it perhaps was not a good idea to stay in halls that night and I asked if he had anywhere else to stay.

"He said that he would just go. When he left the building I followed him and shouted 'no one is making you do this'."

Mr Washington, from Billericay, was hit by a lorry on northbound carriageway of the A34 near Kings Worthy, at around 4.45am.

In a letter to senior coroner Christopher Wilkinson, his GP outlined previous mental health problems.

Dr Simon Butler said that Mr Washington had been referred to a mental health crisis team in 2017 after expressing suicidal thoughts.

Mr Wilkinson concluded as death by suicide.

Before his death, Oliver was a volunteer for Cancer Research UK and had just completed his gold Duke of Edinburgh award.

In a statement his family said: "Today’s verdict is as we anticipated. We miss Oliver every single day and will love him forever.

"His tragic death on the threshold of his adult life and just as he was settling happily in Winchester is a grief beyond our powers of expression.

"Through the nightmare of these past months we have been surrounded by love and support from so many people. Our family and friends have shown us generous and overwhelming kindness in so many different ways. We have been especially touched by the thoughtfulness and encouragement provided by Oliver’s own friends who have stayed in contact.

"We are hugely grateful to our Family Liaison Officer, PC Paul Freeman from Hampshire Police who has looked after us in such a personal and professional manner since the dreadful day we met him last November.

"Our thanks also go to staff at the University of Winchester for their ongoing help and support. We look forward to creating a permanent memorial to Oliver at the University in due course.

"Finally, today thank you to the Coroner for conducting today’s hearing with compassion and sensitivity and to his team for their kindness in preparing us for the event."