Student found hanged after friends shared his sex boasts online
He’d told them about fling with girl at university
A TAlENTED medical student was found hanged after his boasts about a fling with a fellow student were made public on social media.
Edward Senior, 22, described his encounter with the woman on a private message board used by members of the Swansea University rugby team.
The message was shared among hundreds of other university students, including the woman involved, as part of a prank by his friends.
But Mr Senior, known as Ted, was distraught and feared the message would lead to him being expelled from medical school, ending his dream of becoming a doctor, sources said. He returned to his family home in the village of raglan, Monmouthshire where his body was found in woodland last month.
An inquest was opened by the Gwent Coroner and adjourned while police inquiries continue into the death.
But Mr Senior’s brother Max said: ‘Ted tragically took his own life.’
He joined in the tributes to the ‘ charmer’ who excelled at rugby, cricket and football, saying: ‘ Ted achieved a huge amount in such a small space of time.
‘He was a talented rugby player and had a great passion for all sports. He got into medical school after years of hard work and sacrifice.
‘In the 22 years he lived he had an unbelievable impact on so many people’s lives. He had a rare ability to light up any room with his wide smile, mop of blond hair and special charm. Ted was a friend to everyone and always did his utmost to help people in need. He embodied all the right values on how to live, and will undoubtedly leave a lifelong legacy in everyone’s hearts.’
Mr Senior, who was studying at Swansea University Medical School, had been head boy at Monmouth Comprehensive School before deciding to pursue a career in medicine.
A tribute on social media said: ‘He would have made a wonderful and exceptional doctor with his smile and care.’
George Morgan, player-manager of his village football team, raglan rovers, said: ‘ He was such a high- spirited human being with such a lust for life – intelligent, confident and an incredible athlete in both football and rugby. We were lucky enough to have him as part of our team and it was always an incredible atmosphere when Ted was in the room.
‘ for all of us, this news was hard to comprehend with a person so full of courage and spirit taken away from the world.’ Mr Senior’s funeral took place last week in Monmouth with some of his team mates from Swansea Medicals rfC in attendance.
His family has set up a foundation in his name to help other young people who may be contemplating ending their lives. A GofundMe page states: ‘In honour of Ted, it is the family’s wish to set up a foundation in his name.
‘This will be an organic process with funds raised being invested in projects and forums aimed at preventing a recurrence of a similar tragedy.’ The Ted Senior foundation fund had surpassed £11,500 yesterday, more than double its original target, and contributions were still coming in. People can donate to the foundation at www.gofundme.com/ted-foundation.
A spokesman for Swansea University said: ‘We were very saddened to hear of the death of Edward Senior, a student at our medical school.
‘Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends at this time.’
Mr Senior’s parents Paul and Diana, who run a boutique farmhouse B& B in raglan, were too upset to talk about the tragedy.
For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116 123 or log on to www.samaritans.org.
‘An incredible athlete’