Teen dad took his own life after being ‘stopped’ from seeing baby son, inquest told
A TEEN dad took his own life after being “stopped” from seeing his baby son, an inquest heard.
Blake Sayers, 19, told his partner Kira Halas he was going to walk the dog but his family grew concerned when he failed to answer his phone.
Tragically, he was found dead at Apedale Country Park in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, shortly after.
An inquest was told Blake had become a dad in 2022 but had “restricted” access with his son, Stoke Sentinel reports.
He had been struggling with the distance and was also grieving for his grandmother and uncle
His mum Kausar Shupherd said believed her “caring” son did not mean to end his own life and that the tragedy was a “cry for help”.
She added: “Blake was happy, playful, boisterous and joyful. He was always smiling.
“His relationship with Kira was good, it was healthy and it was happy.
“He always paid his way, he was a responsible parent and he loved his son.”
Partner Kira, who had known Blake since primary school, said his mental health had been affected by not seeing the baby.
She told the inquest: “All in all he was just trying to be a part of his son’s life. All he wanted was to be a dad, he loved his son very much.”
Kira said Blake had “broke down in tears” at her mum’s house following a discussion with the baby’s mother on March 7.
The following day, he said he was taking the dog for a walk but “didn’t seem like himself”, the court was told.
At 12.45pm, Blake sent a text to a pal wishing them a happy birthday before switching his phone off a minute later.
He was discovered dead at around 3pm after the family went to find him.
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,www.headstogether.org.uk
- HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans,www.samaritans.org, 116 123
Senior Coroner Andrew Barkley recorded a verdict of suicide, saying: “There was nothing in his medical history to suggest depression, anxiety, self harm or any intention to take his own life.
“There are many factors that made him feel this way including not seeing his son, losing his uncle whom he was very close to, and losing his grandmother, and these factors likely played a part in his decision to take his own life.
“He was upset and was acting out of character when he was with his partner. On the balance of probabilities, it was his intention to take his own life.
“One cannot read someone else’s mind. I am satisfied that in these deeply sad circumstances that the conclusion is one of suicide.”
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
