THE mother of a super-fit, boxing-mad teenager who died at his home in Creech St Michael paid tribute to her 'well-liked child' at an inquest into his death.

Seb Morris, 14, of Meredith Close, was found dead in his bedroom by his mother on November 18 last year, an inquest heard.

Mum Claire Morris said in a written statement that Seb had been upset by the loss of the family’s dog, Tilly, a week before his death.

However, the inquest also heard that Seb had seemed in higher spirits after spending time with friends on November 17.

A statement read out at the inquest said: "A week before Seb's death we had to put our family dog to sleep, she was his best friend. He was four-years-old when we got her so he didn't know life without her.

"We buried her in the back garden and Seb sat with her at her grave for an hour listening to music."

Ms Morris said she had a good relationship with Seb and said he never shut himself away from his family.

"Seb was a well-liked child and had a good circle of friends," Ms Morris said.

"He always tried to make sure everyone was included."

She said Seb had a close relationship with his step-father, Paul Few.

Ms Morris said: "Seb told me he (Paul) was the best dad he had ever had. This is why what Seb has done doesn't make sense."

Ms Morris said Seb did not have a history of mental health problems but said she was concerned after discovering he had taken two overdoses in April 2017.

She said Seb told her it would not happen again and said she was not concerned about him after he made changes to his lifestyle and started boxing at Taunton Amateur Boxing Club, the inquest heard.

She added: "Seb was really into boxing, he was eating a healthier diet and had lost weight."

A post mortem report confirmed the cause of death was hanging and a toxicology report confirmed there were no drugs or alcohol in his system at the time of his death.

Senior Coroner Tony Williams recorded a narrative verdict.

He said: "The evidence has not disclosed the means by which the cause of death arose."

At the time of Seb's death, Peter Hoare, headteacher of Heathfield Community School, spoke of the shock of the tragedy and offered support to students, with councillors on hand to support anyone who needed it.

Speaking just a few days after Seb's death, his step-father Mr Few said: "Seb was so caring and helpful. He was very popular and had masses of friends.

"He was intelligent and would have gone a long way."

There is support at hand for people who feel they need it:

  • The Samaritans of Taunton and Somerset can be contacted on 01823 288998 (local charges apply) or on the free national number 116123 (free), e-mail jo@samaritans.org or visit the branch at 16 Wood Street, Taunton, between 9am and 9pm.
  • Alternatively contact Somerset CRUSE bereavement on 01458-898211 or e-mail somerset@cruse.org.uk.