Northumbria University student Jed Mercer died by suicide

Eighteen-year-old Jed Mercer moved from his home in Bangor, Northern Ireland to study at Northumbria University in September last year.

Just three months later he was found dead in his student accommodation.

An inquest at Newcastle Coroner’s Court heard how Jed’s father had raised the alarm with the university when he was unable to contact his son on December 7, 2022.

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A security guard at the university-managed accommodation on New Bridge Street in the city was called to check on Jed but on entering his room found him dead.

Emergency services were called to the scene and paramedics confirmed Jed as deceased.

The inquest heard a statement from a police officer who detailed how Jed was found in his room along with a journal and suicide notes he had left for family members. Officers decided there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and he appeared to have ended his own life.

A flatmate said he last heard Jed the previous night (December 6) at around 8pm and knocked to check if he was alright, to which he had responded.

Dr Sam Hoggard, a forensic pathologist who carried out a post-mortem examination, concluded Jed had died of injuries consistent with suicide.

A toxicology report found no drugs in his system and an amount of alcohol consistent with being just over the drink-drive limit.

Jed had suffered a history of mental health struggles, the inquest heard, and had seen a university councillor just days before his death on December 2 when he was said to have been “upbeat”.

The inquest heard he had planned to take his own life and had carried out preparations for his death.

Paying tribute to him during the hearing his sister described him as a music-lover and an “adored son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend”.

She said: “He brought fun, joy and happiness into all of our lives and we treasure every moment we had with him. He was an intelligent and articulate young man, a gentle soul who was extremely kind, caring and supportive of others. He loved family gatherings and would entertain us all with magic and card tricks.

“No words can adequately describe the heartbreak and devastation we feel at his loss, and no words can describe how much we love and miss him.”

Assistant Coroner for Newcastle James Thompson recorded a verdict of death by suicide.

Turning to Jed’s family in court, he said: “Personally as someone who has children to read and preside over a case like this is heartbreaking.

“Please accept my deepest condolences.”

A spokesperson for Northumbria University said: “Jed was a popular student and the University community was deeply saddened by his passing.

“We have been, and continue to be, in contact with his family and friends to provide any support we could during this difficult time.” 

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