A young man who died after jumping from the Newton Cap Viaduct in Bishop Auckland was his mother’s ‘proudest achievement’, an inquest into his death heard.  

Heart-rending evidence was read at Crook Coroner’s Court where touching details of Adam Graydon’s close personal relationships with family and friends emerged.

The inquest also heard he struggled with mental health difficulties during his life, had been diagnosed with autism and experienced suicidal ideation.  

Adam, from Coundon, Bishop Auckland, was found dead having suffered multiple injuries after a fall from the viaduct just before 11pm on March 5 this year.

In a statement, the 22-year-old’s mother, Susan Graydon, said she enjoyed walking holidays with him in places like Poland and Prague, as well as watching television.

She said: “He was my proudest achievement and my greatest challenge.

“He was kind, he was a good listener, honest, considerate and extremely well respected.”

The inquest was told Adam shared a unique bond with his grandfather, Philip Green, and enjoyed playing pool and watching football with him.

He also was close to his aunts and cousins and had good friends he could discuss his interests with.

He spent time with his grandfather just hours before he took his life and was quiet but did chat about football with him, the inquest heard.

In a statement, Mr Green said: “When he was leaving, he gave me a hug and said: ‘I love you Granda.

“This was unusual for him as he would not usually do this.

“I asked if he was ‘ok’ and he said: ‘Yeah’.”

Adam was reported missing in the early hours of March 6 and his body was found a short while later.

His car was found parked nearby with a suicide note.

A police investigation concluded there were no suspicious circumstances or third-party involvement.

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Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield concluded Adam died as a result of suicide.

He said: “Adam experienced poor mental health for a large part of his life although he was capable of enjoying life sometimes.  

“On March 5 his mood was low and he had experienced suicidal thoughts.

“I have no doubt he intended to take his life.

“It is noteworthy that he had a lot of love and support from family and friends.

“I know how hard on them this must be having tried so hard to avoid this kind of end.

“I am deeply sorry for your loss.”

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Anyone who needs help with their mental health can reach out to to following organisations for support:

  • Samaritans: 116 123
  • SANEline: 0300 304 7000
  • National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: 0800 689 5652
  • Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): 0800 58 58 58
  • SHOUT: If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258
  • The Mix. If you're under 25, you can call The Mix on 0808 808 4994