Parents sue university over suicide
A GRIEVING couple are suing university chiefs for negligence after their student daughter killed herself while suffering from anxiety.
Robert and Margaret Abrahart also accused the University of Bristol of disability discrimination towards their daughter Natasha, 20.
The physics student hanged herself two years ago after suffering low self-esteem and panic attacks while at the university.
She was one of 11 Bristol students thought to have taken their own lives over a two-year period.
Natasha’s parents claim her lecturers ignored her plight by failing to intervene when she showed clear symptoms of anxiety.
The couple, from Nottingham, have filed a county court claim alleging the university fell short in its duty “to take reasonable care” of her “wellbeing, health and safety”.
They argue that the university contributed to her mental decline and suicide through a combination of negligence and disability discrimination.
Robert, 64, said: “Natasha was bright and academically able. Her self-esteem 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.
“We believe that the university should have done more to support Natasha throughout her second year. The pain of losing Natasha is something that will never leave us.”
Natasha hanged herself on the same day that she was due to take an oral test in front of 50 other students in a 300-seat lecture theatre.
Her parents say she had three suicidal episodes before her death and was terrified of losing her place on the course if she could not complete the oral.
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.”
Family lawyer Gus Silverman said: “The university owed Natasha legal duties, not to cause her psychological harm and to ensure its assessment regime didn’t discriminate against her.”
The university said Natasha’s death “deeply affected” everyone including staff and students.