'No signs' before teen took his own life

INQUEST HEARS HOW TRAINEE CHEF STEPPED IN FRONT OF TRAIN

- CARL EVE

A GRIEVING mother was left with no clear answer after an inquest concluded that her 16-year-old son took his own life after stepping out in front of a train, despite there being no warning signs or indication that he was in any kind of distress.

The inquest into the passing of Nathan Evans on the afternoon of November 8, 2022 was held at Plymouth Coroner's court where coroner Nicholas Lane noted the circumstances leading up to the death of the 16-year-old on the railway line near to the St Budeaux Ferry Road rail station.

A statement from Nathan's mum, Kerry, was first read to the court which told how the teen had been born prematurely and endured numerous medical issues resulting from his early birth. However, he overcame them to grow into a "happy, albeit healthy very tiny little boy". His mum described how he was a "very loving boy and would express that on a daily basis". She wrote how he was also regarded for his "strong feeling about any injustice" and saw things as black and white, adding there was "no in between with Nathan".

The inquest heard he was "extremely intelligent and bright" who had a "passion for reading in libraries". He made many friends while at Millbay Academy and was sad when he left and moved onto college but his family were understandably pround that he "did outstanding at his GCSEs, passing them all with flying colours".

The court heard that at Plymouth City College he embarked on a Hospitality and Catering course, with his biggest interest being baking and his aim of owning a bakery with his younger brother. The inquest heard Nathan described as an "amazing big brother to his siblings".