16-Year-Old Elliott Jones Takes His Life After Cheerful Day

A tragic incident unfolded on March 10, 2023, when 16-year-old Elliott Jones took his own life shortly after enjoying a cheerful moment with his sister. The inquest at Winchester Coroners’ Court revealed that Elliott had been laughing and joking while watching TikTok videos just hours before his death, leaving his family and community in shock.

Elliott, who lived on Waverley Road in Fordingbridge, showed no prior signs of distress. After his mother, Carolyn Jones, left for a short trip to the shops, he departed their home, caught a bus to Pokesdown railway station, and later boarded a train to Ashurst. A train driver noticed him standing on the tracks, but despite efforts to prevent the tragedy, Elliott was struck and died instantly.

Carolyn recounted that earlier that day, her son seemed to be in good spirits. He had spoken positively about the melatonin tablets he had started taking for insomnia. She recalled, “I went to the supermarket, and when I came back I assumed he was still there, but he had left.” Tragically, shortly after she returned, a news story about a fatality at Ashurst station appeared on her Facebook feed, leading her to fear the worst.

Upon discovering a train ticket purchase from Elliott’s bank account, Carolyn described her frantic search for signs of life, stating, “It was my worst nightmare.” In a heartbreaking revelation, she found a notebook under his pillow that contained writings about ending his life and a note about returning a library book. This prompted her to call the police, expressing her fear that the victim at Ashurst was her son.

At the time of his passing, Elliott was receiving support from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Diagnosed as autistic and awaiting an assessment for ADHD, he had also been managing dyspraxia, which affects coordination. Despite these challenges, his mother noted that Elliott had achieved “really well in his GCSEs,” even with infrequent attendance at school.

Elliott was remembered as a “caring, sensitive and funny” individual, known for his distinctive curly hair and his advocacy for social justice. Just before his death, he had come out as non-binary. Carolyn shared that even though Elliott sometimes admitted to having fleeting suicidal thoughts, he assured her he did not plan to act on them.

The inquest concluded with a ruling of suicide, and coroner Jason Pegg reflected on Elliott’s potential, stating, “At 16 he had his whole life ahead of him. He was a very well-loved and supported son.” Following the proceedings, Elliott’s family, now receiving support from the bereavement charity Cruse, described him as “highly sensitive, empathetic, and endearingly eccentric.” They emphasized his positive impact on everyone he met, stating, “Once met, never forgotten.”

Elliott’s family highlighted his strong relationships with them and his friends, noting his passion for spicy food, travel, musical instruments, and deep philosophical discussions. He had been pursuing A-levels after performing well in his GCSEs, showcasing an intellectual curiosity beyond his years. They hope to honor his memory by carrying forward the lessons he taught them as they navigate their loss.