Teen Struck by Train After Cancer Battle, Inquest Concludes Suicide

A 17-year-old who had endured intensive treatment for a rare cancer took his own life after becoming overwhelmed by fears the illness would return, an inquest has heard.

David Gingell’s body was discovered beside a railway line near Bracon Ash after he was struck by a train. Norfolk Coroner’s Court was told that his death came against a backdrop of longstanding mental health difficulties which intensified following his diagnosis in early 2024. Area coroner Johanna Thompson recorded a conclusion of suicide.

The court heard David had faced emotional challenges since early childhood, after his father Simon died suddenly from a heart attack when David was three. Though he showed strong academic ability in his early school years, concerns emerged at 13 when staff discovered he had been self-harming. He was referred for therapy and child and adolescent mental health services, but in the years that followed he was admitted to hospital after alcohol-related incidents and repeatedly voiced suicidal thoughts. On one occasion, he attended a police station stating he intended to jump from a car park.

He was later identified as neurodivergent, displaying traits associated with autism and ADHD, but his family encountered delays in accessing specialist support. Despite maintaining friendships and interests in gaming, films and creative media, he continued to struggle with depression and anxiety, using alcohol and drugs including cannabis and ecstasy to “numb emotional pain”.

In January 2024, David sought medical help after experiencing rectal bleeding, weight loss and a rapidly growing lump on his back. Tests revealed a rare and aggressive sarcoma. He underwent chemotherapy and surgery at the Royal Marsden Hospital before receiving proton beam therapy. Doctors later confirmed he had responded well to treatment and there was no evidence the disease had spread.

However, the court was told the severity of the tumour and the intensity of treatment left a profound psychological impact. His mother, Valentina Patricia Hill, said his life became consumed by the side effects of treatment, chronic insomnia and nausea linked to medication, and persistent anxiety that the cancer would return. Although scans showed no evidence of disease, he struggled with the knowledge it would eventually come back. Confusion over medical terminology, including discussions in which his prognosis was described as “terminal”, deepened his fears.

Ms Hill said:

"At a meeting regarding benefits he was asked to confirm he had a terminal diagnosis because his cancer was regarded as life limiting. But because of his neurodiversity this just reinforced the belief he would die."

In the weeks before his death, his mental health deteriorated further. He became withdrawn, sleeping during the day and remaining awake at night. He began hearing voices and contacted a former therapist seeking support. He also started asking to take more photographs with his mother. "I now see this was part of his final preparations," she said.

On February 22, David left home saying he was meeting friends. Later that evening he sent his mother a final message. When he did not return, she discovered a note in his bedroom saying he was “sorry,” and reported him missing. Police searching the area found his belongings near the railway and his body at the trackside. His injuries were consistent with being struck by a train, although British Transport Police were unable to determine which service was involved.

A spokesman said:

"Train drivers are not always aware of having hit something, especially in the hours of darkness."

Toxicology results showed cocaine and amphetamines were present in David’s system at the time of his death. A counsellor who had seen him weeks earlier told the court he appeared low but had said he had no immediate plans to harm himself, though he believed his cancer was life limiting and that he had only a few years left, and did not wish to endure further treatment.

Concluding the hearing, Ms Thompson said David had a significant and complex history of mental health difficulties compounded by his cancer diagnosis and treatment.

"He had a complex and significant history with mental health. The note left indicates he intended to end his life."

The coroner offered her condolences to his family, describing his death as a tragic loss to those who knew him.

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