Samuel De Souza Frota, a 23-year-old Brazilian national, died after stepping in front of a train near Newton-le-Willows in Merseyside on April 12, 2026, just weeks after arriving in the UK. An inquest held at Bootle Town Hall on July 7, 2026, raised more questions than answers, with his family alleging foul play involving organ harvesting and human trafficking.
Inquest Reveals No Evidence of Third Party Involvement
The inquest, led by assistant coroner Elizabeth Wheeler, reviewed CCTV footage showing Samuel at the side of the railway tracks for 15 to 20 minutes before his death. The footage depicted him moving steadily closer to the track in a rural area. British Transport Police fatality investigator Leanne Callan stated that a forensic search found no evidence of third party involvement, drag marks, or conflict. She said: "There was no evidence there was third party involvement." Callan added that the most likely scenario was that Samuel placed himself in front of the train, with no evidence he was pushed or fell.
Organ Harvesting Claims Addressed
Samuel's family, who remained in Brazil, raised concerns about possible organ harvesting and human trafficking. In an unusually detailed post-mortem breakdown, Wheeler read out a checklist of organs accounted for to address these claims. She asked Callan directly if there was any evidence of organ harvesting, to which Callan replied: "No." Samuel was pronounced dead at 7:14 PM, with Wheeler stating he would have died instantly.
Disputed Suicide Note
The inquest briefly referenced a digital note sent to Samuel's family, which they dispute as not being written by him. The note was not formally considered during the inquest, but Wheeler noted its contents were consistent with an attempt to take his own life and contained information only Samuel would know. She said: "It seems to me that actually in this inquest I can disregard the note for the purpose of considering that Samuel's actions were with the intent of taking his own life." The note was sent to the family by a third party, and its origin remains unclear.
Missing Phone and Other Details
Samuel's family has not retrieved his phone, believed to be in the hands of someone claiming to be his friend. Two portrait photos appeared on his Facebook profile on May 16, over a month after his death, which were not previously present. A black rucksack found at the scene contained two "virtually empty" bottles of whiskey, a phone charger, and black reading glasses. Despite the alcohol, Samuel's toxicology results showed low alcohol levels.
Family Claims Links to Sex Work
Samuel's mother, Neire Souza, claimed he traveled to the UK to manage the schedules of sex workers and worked as a doorman. She said he entered the UK via Dover from Calais on February 27, 2026, after spending two and a half months in Europe, including Belgium and Amsterdam. Family members shared social media posts showing screenshots of conversations with Samuel, multiple mobile phones, and a wad of cash featuring £50 notes. Initially alleging murder, Neire later told the ECHO: "Based on everything Samuel told me, I believe this psychological pressure contributed to him developing severe depression, which ultimately led him to take his own life."
Ongoing Search for Answers
Questions remain about the circumstances of Samuel's death, with alleged links to crime and sex workers operating across Europe. His family continues to seek answers, while the inquest concluded with a narrative verdict consistent with suicide.
