Family warn of effect of insults on teenage girl killed by train
THE FAMILY of a ‘loving’ teenage girl, who died following a threeyear battle with mental health has warned of the damage hurtful insults can cause.
Schoolgirl Daisy French was killed on April 19 this year after being struck by a train.
Giving evidence at the 16-yearold’s inquest yesterday, Detective Constable Philip Hare from British Transport Police concluded she had ‘deliberately’ fallen into the path of the train at Meadowhall train station in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
Coroner Louise Slater delivered a verdict of narrative conclusion at Sheffield Coroners’ Court. Ms Slater said while she was satisfied Daisy “deliberately” placed herself onto the train tracks “it was unclear whether she intended to take her own life at this time”.
She said this meant she could not return a verdict of suicide. Following Daisy’s death her family paid tribute to the “beautiful, kind, caring and loving young woman” – but also asked for people to think carefully about the damage hurtful insults can cause.
They said: “Sadly when she was just 11, some people told Daisy to kill herself and that she was an attention-seeker and this carried on into her secondary school.
“These words stayed with Daisy; we would like everyone to think before they speak and never to belittle others. We would like this to be her legacy.
“Daisy was 16 when she died. We are utterly devastated by her senseless loss; this simply should not have happened. Daisy was a beautiful, kind, caring and loving young woman who loved singing, music, make-up and drama. She had a great sense of humour and an unforgettable laugh.
“Daisy suffered from anxiety for several years and this was particularly severe in the months before she died. She fought incredibly hard be well and wanted nothing more than to have a ‘normal’ life. Daisy always tried to help others, despite her difficulties.
“We would like to thank her family and her friends for their ongoing support. We love and miss her very much and always will.”