A tragic incident unfolded as a teenager, described as an “amazing human being,” took his own life after consuming cocaine and leaving a note for his family. Samuel Price, a 19-year-old from Narberth in Pembrokeshire, passed away on September 21, 2023. The details emerged during an inquest at Pembrokeshire County Hall in Haverfordwest. According to the coroner’s officer for Dyfed-Powys Police, Carrie Sheridan, on the day prior to his death, Mr. Price had attended a job interview, worked at a local pub, and later returned home after rugby training. He then reached out to his mother for financial assistance, which was granted. Later in the evening, he contacted someone looking to buy cocaine and eventually headed back home after initially planning to visit a friend. At 6.22 am the following day, Mr. Price’s step-father found him unresponsive in his room. Despite efforts from paramedics, he was pronounced dead at 7.32 am. The tragic discovery of a suicide note on Mr. Price’s phone shed light on his intentions. The content was not disclosed during the hearing, but the acting senior coroner for Pembrokeshire, Paul Bennett, confirmed Mr. Price had expressed a desire to end his life.
A post-mortem examination conducted by Dr. John Murphy at Glangwili Hospital confirmed the cause of death as hanging, compounded by cocaine use, as evidenced by a toxicology report. During the inquest, Mr. Price’s mother, Clare, shared poignant memories of her son, portraying him as a vibrant personality with a compassionate heart. She expressed shock at the sudden turn of events, emphasizing his positive traits and the impact he had on those around him. The coroner, Mr. Bennett, extended his condolences to the family present and concluded that Mr. Price had indeed taken his own life, citing asphyxia and recording a verdict of suicide. The emotional testimonies and findings underscored the devastating consequences of drug use and mental health struggles, prompting awareness around the importance of mental health support and intervention. The mention of a suicide note and the circumstances leading to Mr. Price’s passing highlight the complexities of mental health challenges and the significance of seeking help during times of distress.
Inquests such as this serve as a critical platform for understanding the circumstances surrounding individuals’ deaths and offer valuable insights that can potentially prevent similar tragedies. The disclosure of details from such proceedings plays a vital role in dispelling misinformation, fostering discussions on mental health issues, and raising awareness about suicide prevention. The media’s role in reporting on inquests contributes to transparency and accountability within the judicial system, ensuring that crucial information is brought to light. Despite the sensitive nature of these events, the involvement of the press enables communities to learn from these experiences and potentially avert future losses. Families and friends of individuals involved in inquests are given a voice through media coverage, allowing them to honour their loved ones and share their stories, thus amplifying efforts to support others in similar situations.
The heart-wrenching story of Samuel Price serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health resources and support systems in our communities. His family’s tribute to his character and the circumstances leading to his untimely death raise awareness about the intricate challenges individuals may face internally. By shedding light on the realities of mental health struggles and the devastating consequences of substance abuse, we are prompted to engage in open conversations, seek help when needed, and support those around us who may be silently battling their inner demons. The tragic loss of a young life such as Samuel Price underscores the collective responsibility to address mental health issues with compassion, empathy, and proactive measures aimed at preventing such heartbreaking outcomes in the future. The closure of the inquest into Samuel Price’s passing marks not just the end of a legal process but a beginning for broader discussions on mental health awareness and suicide prevention efforts in our society.