Tragic suicide of Sunderland University student with a 'heart of gold'

Media student Thomas Jackson had been seen pacing backwards and forwards on the bridge shortly before his death on Sunday, January 19, an inquest at Sunderland Coroner’s Court heard.

There was no particular ‘trigger’ for his tragic actions, Senior Coroner Derek Winter said.

The 21-year-old from Maltby in North Yorkshire had only a ‘low social level’ of alcohol in his blood when he was recovered from the river Wear, toxicology tests found.

Police and Coastguard had been called to the bridge and he was taken by ambulance to Sunderland Royal Hospital, but efforts to revive him had been unsuccessful.

A pathologist had concluded death was due to multiple injuries.

The hearing was told Northumbria Police were satisfied there were no suspicious circumstances and no suggestion of any third party involvement but there was no readily apparent explanation for what had happened.

"There appears to be no particular trigger for his actions,” said Senior Coroner Derek Winter.

He was satisfied that Thomas had intended to take his own life.

"The appropriate conclusion to record is one of suicide,” he said.

Thomas’ mum Lisa paid tribute to her son shortly after his death and urged anyone who was struggling to seek help.

“Tom was 21 years old. An only child, he was our whole world,” she said.

“He had a heart of gold and would help anyone. He wanted to be a screenwriter and his tutors said he had real potential to be a future writer.

“I am urging anyone struggling to seek help, especially Tom’s friends.”

Family friend Rachel Stride set up a Go Fund Me appeal for the family which raised more than £3,300 to help his family cover funeral costs.

On the page she said of Thomas: “It was impossible not to love him and his cheeky smile.

“He had so many friends and a family who adored him and I know all of us are hurting inside.”

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