The father of a 23-year-old student who took his own life has criticised Lancaster University for failing to inform the family that his son had not attended his exams. Henry Shields, known as Harry, was last seen by his housemate in the early hours of May 11, the day of his first final chemistry exam. The Preston-born student did not appear for the exam, but no action was taken until five days later.
Family found body after own search
Harry was reported missing on May 18, and his body was found by his family in Lancaster's Williamson Park after they arranged their own search. At an inquest on September 17, his father Chris described how the "gap" and discovering his son's "deteriorated body" had compounded the family's suffering. The inquest at Morecambe Town Hall heard it was "likely" Harry had been dead for several days when found. Detective Inspector Adrian Knowles said Harry's clothing was "very damp".
Harry's uncle Richard, his mother's brother, said: "We have been a bit disappointed with the university and I think while in hindsight it probably wouldn't have helped Harry, we think it wasn't dealt with as well as it could have been because he didn't attend three major exams." He added: "There was never a notification to his parents. The report [from the university for the coroner] says there was a breakdown in their system."
Father highlights 'seventh or eighth' suicide
Harry's father Chris said: "I think it was the seventh or eighth suicide this year for this university which I think is extraordinary. After one exam, two exams, three exams, still no contact; it's shocking. We spoke to Harry's housemates and they didn't particularly feel listened to during this whole process or looked after. As Richard said, they could do a lot better."
Richard noted the university's policy for missing students was to make contact "within 24 to 48 hours", but this had not happened with Harry because "it was a weekend". He added: "It just seems a bit callous... a bit unfeeling. There is nothing the university could have done to prevent Harry's death but we feel that there might be some lessons that could be learned."
Police working with university
DI Knowles, who attended the inquest voluntarily, voiced his own concerns about how Lancaster University handles missing students. "I have attended meetings with the university to try and improve their support of students and what they do if you have a hard-working student who doesn't turn up for their exam," he said. "Those discussions between police and the university are ongoing to try and improve the support they offer. When people don't turn up they should do whatever is necessary to reach out."
Assistant Coroner Richard Taylor said Harry's death was not "predictable and therefore preventable" given he had no history of mental health issues. Police examination of Harry's phone found he had called the Samaritans on the morning of May 11 and had made internet searches relating to suicide. The inquest heard the call went unanswered.
University response
In a statement after the inquest, Lancaster University said: "Our University community has been deeply saddened by the loss of Harry. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends and all those closest to him." The statement added that following a serious incident review, the university had strengthened processes, invested in additional support for vulnerable students, appointed a new Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience and Colleges, and begun implementing recommendations from an independent review of its student risk management and suicide prevention arrangements.
