Matthew Truong, a 21-year-old trainee data analyst from Ormskirk, took his own life after going on an evening walk, an inquest has heard. He returned home from work at around 5.30pm on June 3 and later left the house, telling his mother, Katherine Parr, he was going for a walk.
Rejection and concern
Earlier that day, Matthew had messaged his best friend James to say his application to join the Royal Air Force (RAF) had been rejected. Despite this, his behaviour seemed normal, but a message he sent that evening alarmed James, who knew Matthew experienced periods of low mood and reassured him about the rejection.
While on his walk, Matthew messaged James to apologise and thank him for their friendship. James became extremely worried and contacted police. Shortly after, he learned there had been an incident on the railway line near Ormskirk Station, where Matthew was pronounced dead at the scene.
Inquest details
An inquest at Preston Coroners' Court on Wednesday, October 14, heard from Katherine, who described how her son "loved everything Star Wars". Matthew had close friends, including some he met while working at a children's summer camp. At 17, he was diagnosed with autism, and during the Covid-19 pandemic his mental health suffered and he felt isolated.
Matthew worked for the council as a trainee data analyst but found the work overwhelming and stressful. He had dreams of joining the RAF and, despite his mum's encouragement to take his time, submitted an application. When he was rejected, he feared it was because of his mental health issues.
Reading parts of James's statement, coroner Emma Mather said: "You met Matthew around two years ago. You remained in contact throughout that time. On the day [Matthew died] he told you he had been rejected by the RAF. He felt the rejection might have been related to his mental health history."
She added: "You were aware that Matthew experienced periods of low mood so you made efforts throughout the day to keep in contact with him. He said he didn't require cheering up. I have seen the messages between you both and I can see how supportive you were. He was very lucky to have a friend like you.
"Matthew said he was going for a walk. Whilst he was out you continued texting and they seemed ordinary. Nothing caused you concern but then you received a message that was quite different in tone. It expressed some gratitude for your friendship. He didn't express any intention to harm himself but you interpreted that. You said he had no reason to apologise. You repeatedly attempted to contact him but you received no response so you contacted the police."
Conclusion and tribute
A statement from British Transport Police described how the driver of a train saw a man wearing dark clothing "emerge from the bushes". The driver hit the emergency brake, but it was too late. Matthew suffered multiple traumatic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Returning a conclusion of suicide, Mrs Mather said it was "very clear how much Matthew was loved". She noted it was "regrettable" that his local GP surgery had failed to make a follow-up appointment after changing his anti-depressants, but she said she was unable to find that contributed to his death.
"Matthew was a much-loved young man who was only 21 at the time of his death," the coroner said. "I can tell just how loved he was from the family and friends who cared about him who are here today. He seemed like a remarkable individual."
