‘Student intended to take his own life’

A Sunderland University student whose body was recovered from the river Wear near Wearmouth Bridge intended to take his own life, a coroner has ruled.

Media student Thomas Jackson had been seen pacing backwards and forwards on the bridge shortly before hisdeathonSunday,January 19, an inquest at Sunderland Coroner’s Court heard.

There was no particular “trigger” for his tragic actions, Senior CoronerDerekWintersaid.

The 21-year-old from Maltby in North Yorkshire hadonlya“lowsociallevel”of alcohol in his blood when he was recovered from the river Wear,toxicologytestsfound.

Police and Coastguard had been called to the bridge and he was taken by ambulance to Sunderland Royal Hospital,buteffortstorevive him had been unsuccessful.

A pathologist had concluded death was due to multiple injuries.

The hearing was told Northumbria Police were satisfiedtherewerenosuspicious circumstances and no suggestion of any third party involvement, but there was no readily apparent explanation for what had happened. "There appears to be no particular trigger for his actions,” said Senior Coroner Derek Winter.

Hewassatisfied that Thomas had intended to take his own life. "The appropriate conclusion to record is one of suicide,” he said.

Thomas’ mum Lisa paid tribute to her son shortly after his death and urged anyone who was struggling to seek help.

“Tom was 21 years old. An only child, he was our whole world,” she said. “He had a heart of gold and would help anyone. I am urging anyone struggling to seek help.”