Grieving parents to sue university over girl’s suicide
‘Show some remorse’
THE parents of a student who took her own life on the day she was due to give a presentation are suing her university, claiming it did not do enough to protect her.
Natasha Abrahart, 20, a second year physics student at the University of Bristol, suffered from severe social anxiety which led to panic attacks.
She was found dead on the day she was due to give a presentation to 50 students and staff in a 329-seat lecture theatre.
Miss Abrahart was one of 11 students at the university to commit suicide in four years. Her parents, Robert and Margaret Abrahart, have filed a county court claim saying she was the victim of negligence and disability discrimination.
They say the university fell short in its duty ‘to take reasonable care’ of their daughter’s ‘wellbeing, health and safety’. They argue that the university was aware she was struggling and experiencing panic attacks but did not do enough to support her.
Mr Abrahart, 64, from West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, said: ‘ Natasha’s selfesteem was rooted in her academic ability and achievement. However, because of the discrimination that we believe she suffered, Natasha became acutely and increasingly distressed. The fear of failing, not performing, or not progressing on the course affected her deeply and she became preoccupied by feelings of worthlessness.
‘We believe that the university should have done more to support Natasha.’
Miss Abrahart’s parents say she had three suicidal episodes before she died and feared losing her place on the course.
Mr Abrahart added: ‘ We know nothing will bring her back, but we feel the University of Bristol should at least acknowledge what happened in the lead-up to Natasha’s death, show some remorse or regret, and apologise. Until that happens how will the university prevent the same mistakes that we believe occurred from happening again?
‘We will continue to campaign to ensure that other students don’t endure the suffering Natasha did.’
Miss Abrahart was found dead in her flat in April 2018.
A university spokesman said: ‘Legal proceedings regarding Natasha’s death are now under way, and so it would be inappropriate for the university to comment further.’
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