A 19-year-old university student discovered deceased on Christmas Day, after being missing for nearly two weeks, tragically took his own life, a coroner's inquest has determined. Tom Dingle, a student at Lancaster University, vanished in December after leaving his student accommodation in Appley Bridge, Wigan, in the early hours of 13 December.
Police Appeals and Search Operation
Following his disappearance, Lancashire Police launched multiple public appeals, with his mother Sue revealing that Tom was "in a vulnerable state of mind" and "grieving" after a traumatic event. This event was later identified as the death of his girlfriend, Natasha Braithwaite, a fellow first-year student at Lancaster University, who was found dead in her room weeks prior.
The search for Tom involved a large-scale operation deploying drones, police dogs, and mountain rescue teams. He was eventually found by a member of the public in woodland off Lees Lane in Dalton, Lancashire, on Christmas Day, approximately one mile from where he was last seen.
Inquest Findings and Cause of Death
An inquest at Preston Coroner's Court concluded that Tom died by suicide, with the cause of death recorded as hanging. Lancashire Police had previously confirmed his death was not treated as suspicious. The inquest into Natasha's death, held in March, heard she had fatal levels of morphine in her system, with her death recorded as drug-related.
According to a police statement, Tom described Natasha as "a very kind girl who was extroverted", and the pair had met during a fresher's night. Natasha was discovered dead in her room on November 20, 2025.
Family Tribute and Fundraising Efforts
In a tribute released via Lancashire Police in January, Tom's family said: "Tom was an incredibly intelligent and caring young man who had his whole life ahead of him. Tom's death has left a hole in our hearts which will never be filled. Christmas, and life as a whole, will never be the same without our Tom."
The family announced plans to raise money for the Royal British Legion in Tom's memory, stating it was a charity close to them and what Tom would have wanted. They also expressed gratitude to the police, mountain rescue volunteers, and the community for their support during the search.
For those affected by similar issues, The Samaritans offers 24/7 support via phone at 116 123, email at jo@samaritans.org, or through their website.
