Suicide sites plea by mum
Sonfoundtipsonhowtokillhimself
A Bannockburn mother whose son took his own life has hit out at sick suicide websites.
Nathalie Arthur was horrified to discover that 21–year–old son Connel had been able to access websites and discover details on specific techniques to kill himself in the days leading up to the tragedy.
The Glasgow University student, who also had links to Kippen, was found dead in the room where he had been staying in Reykjavik, Iceland, on December 19.
His devastated family told how the talented guitar player had never shown signs of depression or mental health issues but had been worried about becoming homeless.
Connel sent a message saying goodbye to his girlfriend and was found dead just hours later.
Mum-of-two Nathalie is now calling for families to talk to their loved ones about mental health in a bid to save lives.
The supermarket worker said: “Connel was full of life which is why this is all such a shock.
“He didn’t suffer from depression as far as we were concerned or aware.
“He’d moved to Iceland to do an erasmus year for his masters degree and had made lots of friends and got a job behind a bar.” After finding out Connel had died, Nathalie, his sister Chloe, 22, and Nathalie’s partner Tim Slack flew to Iceland on December 21 to bring him home.
But they were left reeling after finding Connel’s internet search history showed he had accessed dark suicide websites.
Nathalie said: “There is one main thing I want to address – Connel had been Google searching how to kill himself and was easily able to find the information.
“There was a big fuss about eating disorder websites and self-harm forums a few years ago. So why are these suicide websites not talked about and why is it available? It’s not okay.
“This information should not be there for people to access.”
A memorial service will be held for Connel at Glasgow University Chapel on Saturday (January 27) and will be live-streamed to his friends in Iceland.
The family are now raising funds in his memory which will be given to various mental health charities.
To donate, visit www.gofundme. com/connel-arthur-a-life-legacy