Inquest held into death of 'selfless' Telford boy, 16, as youth mental health fundraiser tops £20,000
An inquest has been held into the death of a 16-year-old boy who took his own life.
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There was an outpouring of grief in the local community after Max Christopher John Turton, a pupil at Haberdashers Adams Grammar School in Newport, was found at home in Jackson Drive, Doseley, Telford on August 28 this year.
More than £20,000 has been raised in his memory for the youth suicide prevention charity Papyrus, with his family, friends and others in the youth football community taking part in a charity walk through Wellington last month.
An inquest into Max’s death, held at the Guildhall in Shrewsbury, was told that he was last seen on August 27, and that a number of people tried hard to get hold of him.
He was discovered the following afternoon and, despite the best efforts of emergency workers, he could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Although Max was found on August 28, it is believed he died on August 27. He had received his GCSE results on August 22.
John Ellery, senior coroner for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, recorded a conclusion of suicide.
Since Max’s death, his parents Chris and Katie have committed to raising funds and awareness in aid of preventing young people from taking their own lives.
Max was a big Liverpool fan and had been to watch the Reds with his dad not long before he died. They also followed England at the Euros last summer.
He played football for Lawley Lightmoor Stars - where his number 16 shirt has been retired - before stopping to focus on his school work. He also refereed and ran the line at Telford club NC United, where his younger brother Ben plays.
Max’s parents told the Shropshire Star that he was “very selfless and hard-working,” and that he would regularly go and visit his grandad suffering with dementia in a care home.
At the charity walk, Chris said: “We chose Papyrus because of the work they do with young people. It’s all about education making sure they have the support when they need it.”
Anyone who wishes to support the fundraising in Max's memory can do so by visiting justgiving.com/page/jennifer-ebblewhite-1725206829650.
*When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org for more.
