Student, 19, killed himself just weeks after finding his girlfriend dead in university halls, inquest hears
A troubled student who was devastated after finding his girlfriend dead in her university halls took his own life just weeks later in a double teenage tragedy.
Tom Dingle, 19, from Appley Bridge near Wigan, was found in woodland on Christmas Day last year by a member of the public, bringing to an end a vast 12-day search involving the Lancashire force helicopter, drones, dogs and underwater teams.
Lancaster University student Tom, who had a history of mental health problems, had told medical professionals he was suffering from intrusive thoughts and emotional distress imagining a future without his partner.
He was last seen alive in the early hours of December 13 last year, after leaving his parents’ home and claiming he was going to a garage to buy cigarettes.
In his last ever words to his parents, he told them he loved them – and had reassured his mother that the family had done everything they could to support him.
His body was discovered by a walker in woodland on December 25.
Tragically, this was just a month after Tom had found his girlfriend, Natasha Braithwaite, also 19, dead in her university halls bedroom.
First-year fine art student Natasha suffered with post-traumatic stress disorder, and a coroner recorded her death as drugs-related.
Tom Dingle, 19, from Appley Bridge near Wigan, was found dead in woodland on Christmas Day last year
He took his own life around a month after discovering his girlfriend, Natasha Braithwaite, 19, dead in her university halls bedroom
This was the last recorded image of Tom, after he told his parents he was going out to buy cigarettes
Tom had raised the alarm after being unable to get in touch with Natasha on the day of her death, so went round the flat and woke up her housemates.
When they managed to get into Natasha’s room, she was unresponsive on the bed, and paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.
Detectives from Lancashire Police found a metal spoon taped to her desk, which they said indicated it had been used for heroin, and toxicology tests showed she had fatal levels of morphine in her system.
At an inquest held at Preston Coroners Court, Coroner Richard Taylor described Tom as ‘a vulnerable young man’.
He said: ‘It appeared to all who knew him that his mental health was improving to such an extent that he was able to go to university in September 2025.
‘It was there that he met his girlfriend. It was there that, sadly, his mental health also seemed to worsen.’
The court heard how Tom found his girlfriend dead on November 21, 2025. After this, his parents drove to Lancaster to take him back to his family home.
He returned home to see friends on December 9. On the way back, Tom told his father he had taken an overdose and subsequently spent some time in hospital, the court heard.
On December 12, 2025, it was agreed he would be seen by an at-home treatment team.
But that never happened, because later that night he left the house, saying he was going to get cigarettes. His mother was suspicious and raised the alarm, contacting the police.
Tom was described as being ‘vulnerable’, and had admitted to having intrusive thoughts after the death of Natasha
Tom’s family had attached this message to their house during the 12-day search for him
After Tom was first reported missing, his parents, Sue and Peter, issued a statement which said: ‘We just want him home as soon as possible.
‘We’ve even put a note on the front door so he knows he can just walk in. We’re just here to love and protect him, that’s all.
‘Tom is in a vulnerable state of mind following a traumatic event. He is grieving very much.
‘My husband Peter and I, and Tom’s older brother, are going out of our minds with worry that something may have happened to him.
‘We just want him home where it’s safe. It’s cold and wet out at night. We don’t know if he’s seeking shelter anywhere.
‘He needs to know that he’s not in any trouble because of the distress and worry. He needs to know that we are not in any way upset with him.
‘We just want him home. We just love him so much and miss him desperately.
‘So many people miss him as well, especially his family.’
Coroner Richard Taylor described in court how, on the night of his disappearance, Tom had told his mum: ‘You, dad and Jack (his older brother) have done everything you can, so don’t worry.’
In a statement, Tom’s mother described how he had come into their bedroom to say goodnight, which was unusual for him. They then heard the door closing softly.
Tom told his parents, who were concerned about him, that he had gone to get cigarettes, saying: ‘I went through the woods on the way back home. I will be back soon – love you both.’ But he did not return.
Detective Superintendent Lukmaan Mulla, the senior investigative officer during the search for Tom following his disappearance, described him as being seen as an immediate life threat.
An extensive search was carried out in the area, including the quarry and canal, but devastatingly, at 15.12pm on Christmas Day, a member of the public reported finding a body in the woods.
Detective Mulla said: ‘There were no signs of violence or disturbance. There was no evidence of third-party involvement.’
Coroner Richard Taylor said it was his finding that Tom had taken his own life. He said: ‘My sincere condolences go out to all those who loved him, especially his parents.’
For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support.