A TEENAGER who was killed days before last Christmas has been described as a “tornado of joy” by his mother.

An inquest has been held into the death of 18-year-old Harvey McWilliams, from Darlington, died on December 21 last year.

The Exeter University student, who had returned to Darlington to spend Christmas at home with his family, was hit by a train near the town after going out for a run. 

The Northern Echo: Harvey McWilliams, 18, from Darlington, died last December 21 Harvey McWilliams, 18, from Darlington, died last December 21

County Durham and Darlington Coroner’s Court heard Harvey, a former pupil at Longfield Academy, was an enthusiastic and fun-loving young man, who had recently started a new relationship and was looking forward to the future.

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Harvey’s parents Kelly and Michael attended the hearing in Crook, along with his grandmother Brenda and friends of the family.

They took photographs of Harvey to show to coroner Tanyka Rawden, which were on display during the hearing.

Mrs McWilliams told Mrs Rawden her son had been like a “tornado of joy” who had been enjoying university life, was on course for a first class degree and was passionate about football and music.

He was keen Sunderland fan and had played for Darlington's Academy and had recently jointed the Exeter Panthers. 

She added he had been a “passionate advocate” for mental health, working with the charity ManHealth, which held a walk in his memory last month to raise money for its services.

She added: “He was the type of son you would be proud to say he’s mine.”

The Northern Echo:

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The coroner heard evidence from Leanne Callan, an investigator for British Transport Police and the train driver involved in the incident.

She was also told that Harvey had visited his GP in 2020 with anxiety but his last contact was in the October of that year, when he had no thoughts of self-harm.

The court heard on the morning of Harvey’s death he had received a phone call regarding an accusation that he had damaged a car, which had been reported to the police and to his university.

Mrs McWilliams said they had spoken about it but Harvey was not angry or upset and had gone for a run, which she said was his usual way of trying to think and make sense of things.

The Northern Echo: Harvey and his dad MichaelHarvey and his dad Michael

She said he was not distressed when he left the house, adding: “He was going for a run because that’s how he makes sense of things. I didn’t have any worries.”

Mr McWilliams, Harvey’s dad, described him as the “light of our lives”.

He added: “He brought so much joy to all of us. He was fun and caring and always kind. We are immensely proud of him.

“He was in the prime of his life. He was enjoying the freedom and independence of university. He came home and he was looking forward to what was supposed to be ‘the best Christmas ever’.

“He was loving life and making plans for the future. Harvey was going for a run to make sense of the chain of events set in motion that morning.

“Harvey had not enough time to process what had happened. If he had fully understood the consequences of his actions we would not be here.”

He added: “We believe he needed space to process what he was feeling and this was an impulsive action, not realising how final the outcome would be.”

Coroner Tanyka Rawden recorded Harvey died by suicide.

She said: “I have to make a decision based on the evidence. You knew Harvey and you will always have your views. I have to look at the evidence I have got. I can see and accept that when he went out there was no intention in his mind. The effort he would have had to have made makes me think on the balance of probabilities he did, at that moment, want to end his life.

“It’s clear he adored everyone in his family and he adored his life. I suspect he was in such a state of high emotion he wasn’t thinking of the long term.”

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If you are in need of support you can contact the following:

- Samaritans are available, day or night, 365 days of the year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

- If U Care Share on 0191 387 5661 or text IUCS to 85258

- SANE on 07984 967 708, Calm on 0800 58 58 58

- Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust crisis line 0800 0516 171.

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