Student’s death ‘5th suicide for top university in six months’
A YOUNG woman found hanged in a barn is thought to be the fifth student from her university to commit suicide in six months.
The body of Elsa Scaburri, 21, who was studying French and Italian at Bristol University, was found two miles from her home in Wiltshire.
Her death is the latest suspected suicide at the respected university, which has 22,000 students.
An inquest heard Miss Scaburri was discovered on March 3 at Knowle Farm close to her family’s home in Broad Chalke, near Salisbury.
She was in her third year at Bristol and halfway through a year studying in Italy. She was due to graduate next year following her return to the UK.
A woman at the farm yesterday said: ‘It was here. She was a lovely girl.’ Neighbour Jean Elton, 83, added: ‘It has upset us all terribly … She was lovely. She was bright and outgoing.’
Although the suicides are not thought to be linked, they have led to serious concerns among university officials.
Yesterday, it launched a mental health campaign for men after pledging an extra £1million for wellbeing services. It has also bolstered the number of staff available to help troubled students.
An investigation was opened after the father of one first-year complained that the university was failing to help students.
Shortly after the academic year started in September, the unnamed parent said: ‘I don’t think there is enough pastoral care … It is quite a step-up from sixth form.’ It followed the deaths of Daniel Green and Kim Long, both 18, and Miranda Williams, 19.
They are all believed to have killed themselves in their halls of residence within weeks of leaving home.
Last month the body of neuroscience student Lara Nosiru, 23, was found in the gorge below Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge.
In January an inquest heard first-year history student Mr Green was found hanging in his room at Goldney Hall on October 21 last year after he broke up with his girlfriend.
Assistant coroner Myfanwy Buckeridge did not record a firm conclusion of suicide, arguing the question of intent was ‘inconclusive’.
An inquest into the death of law student Mr Long recorded a conclusion of suicide, but the coroner stressed the other deaths were not connected.
Philosophy student Miss Williams, from Chichester, had anxiety and depression and is understood to have taken her life on October 10, three weeks after she left home.
A university spokesman offered condolences to Miss Scaburri’s family.
He added: ‘The welfare of our students and staff continues to be our highest priority … We would urge any students affected by this tragic incident to seek support from university services, friends or family.’ An inquest was opened and adjourned at Salisbury Coroner’s Court last week.