Tom David Lambert, a 21-year-old Newcastle University student described as 'bright and loved', was found dead in an attic days after being reported missing, an inquest has heard.
Emergency services were called to an address in Hillbrook Crescent, Ingleby Barwick, on September 9, 2024. The property owner had been away on holiday and requested maintenance through the letting agency after returning to discover the house in "a mess" following the departure of the previous guest.
Material on the bed appeared to have dropped from the loft hatch and, upon inspection, the tragic discovery was made, the inquest heard. Cleveland Police had previously launched a public appeal for assistance in locating Tom.
Mental health support sought
Tom, from Billingham, had sought assistance from his GP and the university's student health and wellbeing services in the months prior to his death.
Catherine Devereux, assistant coroner for Teesside and Hartlepool, said: "Tom was a 21-year-old student with a very strong academic background. Tom had however experienced difficulties with his mental health in the months before his death which he had sought support from his GP and student wellbeing services at the university."
The inquest heard he had made two previous attempts to take his own life, which were reported to his GP in June.
Post-mortem findings
A post-mortem examination concluded that Tom died as a result of acute respiratory failure and from an 'uncommon' opioid, Ms Devereux said. The assistant coroner recorded a short-form conclusion of suicide.
In June, several months prior to his death, Tom informed his GP about experiencing suicidal thoughts. He stated he had no active plans to harm himself. He was given a prescription for an antidepressant and, the inquest heard, he cancelled his scheduled follow-up appointment the following month.
In mid-August, Tom arranged a GP appointment to address ongoing medication use and side effects. Four days afterwards, he consulted with a different GP regarding his medication as he had experienced a brief period off the prescription. He had not taken it since August 5 and reported suffering an episode of feeling unwell which led to his performance being impacted during his exams, the inquest heard.
University review
In a statement, the second GP explained he reinstated the medication given Tom's previously positive response. He also prepared a letter for Tom's university as requested concerning the side effects of potential withdrawal.
A review of support requested and delivered by Newcastle University's Health and Wellbeing Services concluded "Tom was treated in accordance with university standards and policy". There were no deviations from due process or missed opportunities.
Tom was undergoing a self-referral process for undiagnosed autism, the hearing was told.
