Loved ones of Lee-on-the-Solent teen urge that suicide 'isn't the solution' to mental health problems

Loved ones of a teenager who took his own life are urging men to open up to people they trust about mental health issues.

Kieran Froude, 19 from Lee-on-the-Solent, was found dead in his home in Dominie Walk on September 7 last year while his parents were on holiday in France.

At an inquest into his death at Portsmouth Coroner’s Court today, his parents and former girlfriend paid tribute to a kind teenager who hid his inner demons from those closest to him.

The court heard Kieran had been in a relationship with Taylor Dudley for about four years, but their break-up had affected him more than first thought.

On September 7, Taylor was due to see him in the afternoon, still seeing him regularly after their split, but came back from a walk to a flurry of texts and missed calls.

She tried calling him and got no answer, so immediately phoned the police.

Kieran was pronounced dead at 4.11pm. Coroner Samantha Marsh delivering a suicide verdict.

Speaking after the inquest, Taylor, 19, said: ‘He was such a good person; he was always there for his friends and for me.

‘We did everything together and he made me so happy.

‘I'm so glad I got those four years of being loved and getting to love him.

‘Anyone would rather spend endless time making sure someone’s okay than speaking at their funeral.’

Kieran’s parents, Tony and Ellen, say they had no indication that their son was wrestling with mental health troubles, and have urged people who are struggling to speak up.

Ellen, 45, said: ‘He hid his emotions so well, we had absolutely no idea.

‘People need to know that this isn’t the solution to their problems, even if it feels like it at the time.’

Coroner Samantha Marsh said in court: ‘As a society we need to break the stigma of mental health for men.

‘With what’s been happening in the national media it’s important to recognise that everybody should be able to reach out and admit they are struggling.’

Anyone needing help can call Samaritans on 116 123.