Brother of suicide student killed himself months later
A TRAINEE doctor’s younger brother killed himself less than a year after his sibling took his own life due to the pressure of his medical degree.
Matthew and Tom Rowe – described as ‘normal, sociable boys’ – were found hanged just months apart.
Medical student Matthew, 20, told friends he was struggling with his five-year course at the University of Manchester before he found dead at his halls in Fallowfield.
His family, from Newport in south Wales, suffered further tragedy when his brother Tom, 15, took his own life in his bedroom 10 months later. Their sister Charlotte, 19, is now urging others not to ‘suffer in silence’.
She said: “Both of my brothers were normal, sociable boys who you wouldn’t associate with people who suffered from mental health issues.
“However, this is not uncommon, those who are suffering usually suffer in silence without others noticing. Mental health is a serious problem amongst young men with so many of these people not fully understanding their issues which leaves them feeling like suicide is the only option.”
Matthew died on January 9, 2017. He was found hanged by fellow students. Assistant coroner Nick Stanage recorded a conclusion of suicide. Matthew’s grief-stricken family suffered more tragedy when Tom was found dead on October 7 last year.
“Tom was a mischievous, fun and extremely loving young boy,” Charlotte said.
“When Tom passed away myself and my family felt completely lost and unsure what to do next as we hadn’t fully grieved for Matthew yet and were faced with another tragic loss.”
A conclusion of suicide was recorded at an inquest into Tom’s death in Wales.