Exeter University failed to respond to student’s ‘cry for help’, inquest finds

Court heard how Harry Armstrong Evans told tutor and welfare team he was struggling after disastrous' exam results

A coroner has strongly criticised the University of Exeter over the suicide of a student, claiming it failed to respond effectively to his cry for help" after a disastrous set of exam results that followed months of isolation in near empty halls of residence during the pandemic.

Guy Davies, the assistant coroner for Cornwall, concluded that Harry Armstrong Evans's death was due to a mental health crisis" preceded by a catalogue of missed opportunities coupled with systems failings" leaving him without the safety net" the Russell Group university should have provided.

In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 800-273-8255 or chat for support. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis text line counselor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org