The dreams of a promising future were tragically cut short when 18-year-old Yasmin Elizabeth Lajoie took her own life just days after receiving her A-Level results. An inquest into her death has revealed a harrowing story of a bright student tormented by bullying and overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed.
Yasmin, described by her heartbroken family as a 'beautiful, intelligent, and caring' young woman, had her sights set on a career in medicine. She had completed her A-Levels at St John's Marlborough and was eagerly awaiting the results that would determine her next steps.
A Life Full of Promise
Her mother, Victoria Lajoie, painted a picture of a daughter who was not only academically gifted but also immensely kind. In a moving statement, she said, "She was beautiful, intelligent, caring, and had her whole life ahead of her." Yasmin's ambition to enter the medical profession was a driving force in her life.
The Relentless Impact of Bullying
Despite her bright exterior, Yasmin was battling severe internal struggles. The Wiltshire Coroner's Court heard that she had been a victim of sustained bullying, the psychological scars of which ran deep. Her mother revealed that this bullying had a profound and lasting effect on her mental health, shattering her confidence and self-worth.
This trauma was compounded by the immense pressure she placed on herself to achieve top grades. The anticipation of results day became a source of intense anxiety.
The Aftermath of Results Day
On August 18, 2022, Yasmin received her results. While the exact grades were not disclosed in the inquest, the outcome left her feeling distraught and seemingly hopeless about her future prospects. The combination of past trauma and present disappointment created a devastating tipping point.
Tragically, just two days later, on August 20, Yasmin was found dead at her family home in Marlborough. Her death sent shockwaves through her community, leaving family, friends, and teachers utterly devastated.
A Verdict and a Mother's Plea
After hearing the evidence, Senior Coroner David Ridley concluded that Yasmin's death was a suicide. He formally recorded a verdict that she "took her own life while experiencing a depressive illness, the result of bullying."
In the wake of this unimaginable loss, Victoria Lajoie has become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. She is urging other young people who are struggling to speak up and seek help, emphasising that "there is always someone to talk to." Her hope is that by sharing Yasmin's story, she can prevent another family from enduring similar pain.
