Inquest finds student found dead at his university halls had taken his own life

A UNIVERSITY student took his own life, an inquest has recorded.

Luke James Forte, 21, originally from Derby, was studying at the University of the West of England at the time of his death. He was found dead at his halls in Bristol city centre at the beginning of December.

Assistant Coroner Myfanwy Buckeridge ruled suicide as the cause of the death in the inquest heard on Tuesday at the Coroner’s Court in Flax Bourton. This followed the inquest opening on January 5.

The inquest records stated that Mr Forte died at 1.15pm on December 1, 2021 at his flat in Bristol. Ambulance, police, and the fire service were called to Phoenix Court on Bond Street South in the city centre on Wednesday, December 1, but sadly emergency crews could not save the man.

The Phoenix Court hall of residence near Cabot Circus is operated by Unite Students, on behalf of the University of the West of England (UWE), and can house up to 277 students.

At the time of his death, a UWE spokesperson said: “We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends at this very difficult time. A full range of university support services have been made available to our student community and members of staff.

“We would encourage students or staff affected to access these services or call the Samaritans for support as soon as possible.”

If you are struggling with your mental health, the Samaritans are here day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans. org, or visit www.samaritans.org.