A 25-year-old man tragically took his own life in front of his father after struggling to secure his first job after university. James Keeping, from Duns Tew near Bicester, died on February 15 after suffering from worsening mental health issues.
The Inquest
At Oxford Coroner's Court, an inquest heard that James had been finding it difficult to obtain meaningful employment since graduating from Newcastle University in 2024 with a degree in marketing and management. He had previously sought help on LinkedIn, writing: "I know I don't have a long CV yet, but I'm willing, motivated, and not afraid to get stuck in. I've shown I can adapt and persevere, whether that was working on earthquake relief efforts in Nepal or supporting conservation diving projects in Mexico."
Family's Efforts
James's father, Simon, who formerly ran Karcher for 20 years, also appealed on LinkedIn: "It's tough for young people to get that first 'proper job'. Call it nepotism, but I would love to give my son James that break."
Mental Health Struggles
The inquest revealed that James had been diagnosed with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder and had experienced anxiety. He had previously held a shotgun licence but gave it up after his diagnosis. His father described James as having a tendency to become "hyper-fixated" on things, including air pistols, one of which is believed to have been used in his death.
On the day before his death, James spent time with his girlfriend, Lesha Jennings. They returned home and talked until 4am about his feelings. The next day, after drinking, James became argumentative and expressed despair about being unemployed. Lesha stated: "It was clear his mental health was spiralling. He said life was s***. He said how hard it was."
Toxicology and Verdict
Toxicology reports showed James had 234mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, nearly three times the drink-drive limit. Coroner Nicholas Graham delivered a narrative verdict, saying: "There is insufficient evidence to conclude that he intended to take his own life."
For emotional support, contact the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit their website.
