Suicide project student took life

A student who was carrying out a project photographing where people had committed suicide was found hanging from a tree, an inquest has heard.

Christian Drane's body was discovered in woods in the Polygon area of Southampton, Hampshire, on 16 March.

The 21-year-old, originally from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, was studying at the city's Southampton Solent University.

A verdict that Mr Drane took his own life was recorded on Friday.

Pc Sam Weller told the inquest that friends had told him that they knew no reason why the student, who had a part-time job at a Walkabout bar, would take his own life.

Suicide note

He said that his inquiries had found that Mr Drane had been conducting a project photographing suicide sites and during one visit he had been approached by a member of the public concerned for his well-being.

He said: "One site was in Bristol, a notorious bridge where suicides happened quite frequently.

"He told a friend that when he was stood on the bridge a member of the public asked if he was all right and those sorts of questions."

A suicide note left by Mr Drane said: "To mum and anybody that cares. I have done something I can never forgive myself for. I am a bad person. I am sorry. I love you."

A spokeswoman for Southampton Solent University said that counselling was on offer to any student affected by Mr Drane's death.

She added: "Southampton Solent University extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Christian Drane.

"While at the university, Christian showed no signs that he was unhappy or contemplating taking his own life - and he did not access any of the university's support services."