Suicide girl found clutching teddy bear
A GRAMMAR school pupil who suffered violent mood swings was found dead in her bedroom slumped against the wall clutching a teddy bear, an inquest heard.
A playlist titled ‘Suicide’ was playing out on the computer of Alisha Watts, 18, who had left notes to her friends and family pinned to the wardrobe. Assistant coroner Alison McCormick said Alisha’s death was a ‘careful and meticulously planned suicide’.
She was discovered by her social worker Leanne Palethorpe, who had grown concerned after Alisha sent a series of emails to her the night before, the Reading inquest was told.
Alisha, a high-performing pupil at prestigious Kendrick grammar school in Reading, said she was feeling the ‘worst she had felt in a long time’ and left a message thanking Miss Palethorpe for all she had done. The inquest heard Alisha had been in and out of care from the age of 15, after her mother had become worried about her suicidal feelings.
Miss Palethorpe said: ‘Her risk assessments were very difficult because her emotions would swing so wildly. She could change within the hour. Her school life gave her stability.’
Summing up, the assistant coroner said: ‘Alisha was a very beautiful girl. I know how loved and supported she was by her family and friends. She had everything to live for.’