The mum of a 12-year-old boy who took his own life has paid an emotional tribute to him after an inquest found he most likely did not intend what happened
Riley Townsend’s family had been desperately seeking an autism diagnosis for three years before his d4ath on September 1, 2024, when he was found ha.nged in his bedroom.
Riley, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, was diagnosed with ADHD in November 2021, but his autism assessment at the time was “inconclusive”. This meant a follow-up assessment could have been carried out if the family’s concerns remained, but Riley never received a formal autism diagnosis, NottinghamshireLive reports.
During an incident that took place during a break at school, an inquest at Nottinghamshire Coroner’s Court heard Riley pressed his tie against his throat until he almost passed out before a friend intervened.
Headteacher at Quarrydale Academy, Tim Paling said that, when questioned about his behaviour, Riley told staff pressing his tie against his neck made him feel “floaty”. The possibility of a sensory issue was investigated following the incident.
Coroner Amanda Bewley said she did not believe Riley intended to take his own life. She said: “Having seen the actions that you took, I agree that, as a family, you were trying your best to get Riley the support he needed. I felt that the evidence was [that Riley’s actions were] more likely than not a sensory exploration that went wrong and [taking his own life] was not at all what he intended to do.”
Riley’s mum, Abi Louise Hill, described the week leading up to the boy’s d4ath as “terrible”, saying it was “one thing after another”.
This included Riley prank calling the police to say his mum was feeding him gin, while his father, later the same day, received a video that appeared to show Riley drunk and self-harming.
In a heartbreaking tribute, Ms Hill said her son had “the best sense of humour and was a joy to be around”. She said: “He was someone who knew how to make people laugh and smile. He was a very popular boy and had so many friends. He was very easily led, which sometimes got him into trouble. He was such a devoted big brother and uncle and had so much love to give.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
