An 'outstanding' former Bristol University student took his own life, an inquest heard today (April 15).

James O'Shea was described as an "outstanding student who obtained top grades."

He studied a four-year course in palaeontology and evolution at Bristol University before starting a PhD in Cambridge, reports Cambridgeshire Live.

After several years of mental health problems, James took his own life that same month.

The inquest heard while in his first year at Bristol, James enjoyed his time as a student but began struggling to cope with the pressures of university, particularly in his final year.

His mum, Kate O'Shea, said exam stress, staying up all night to complete university work and poor sleep worsened his mental health while in Bristol.


But the coroner described the causes of James' mental health problems as 'multi-factoral'.

James had borderline Asperger Syndrome, which was diagnosed at primary school.

His parents said he often thought he struggled with social interaction, despite being popular among his peers.

His mum said: "He felt every time he established a relationship he was alright to start with then the relationship failed, I think he thought there was a pattern he would never escape from".

He felt 'shame' over his social abilities, the inquest heard.

But despite his concerns, the inquest heard James was popular and well-liked.


An academic at Bristol University said: "I knew James as an outstanding student who had obtained top grades.

"He was well-liked and regarded in his year.

"I will remember him always like a funny, kind and brilliant person".

Another Bristol academic said: "James was a gentle soul, friendly with everyone and much loved by his fellow students."

Coroner Mr David Heming, said: "It seems to be relationships with others which is the central issue and is clearly a huge burden for James.

"But this difficulty with relationships was not reflected by the love and affection that came to his funeral.

"I think it was a perfect storm brewing which led to his collapse".


At the inquiry, Dr Sarah Cassidy, who specialises in research into autism and mental health said studies have shown those with Asperger's are nine times more likely than the general population to die by suicide.

His parents said he was 'hypercritical' of himself and this worsened around exams and during times of change.

Life transitions worsened their son's mental health, they added.

After graduating, James' mental health worsened over the summer of 2017 and he began taking anti-depressants.

His mum said James often hid his struggles from others.

Kate told the inquest: "At home what I saw was him at home falling apart but he was frightened at being sectioned because he was so bad.

"He was quite practised at putting up a face at being okay.

"I just felt helpless because I saw him going downhill. I just didn't know what to do."

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The coroner concluded the inquiry by saying: "Having completed his MSc degree in palaeontology and evolution with first class honours, James suffered a marked deterioration in his mental health in the summer of 2017.

"He underwent a mental health assessment, commenced private counselling and was prescribed anti-depressant medication.

"He commenced his PhD research in early January 2018.

"James was found dead on the 20th January 2018, at Grange Road, Cambridge.

"James was on the autistic spectrum which carries a significantly elevated risk of suicide."




These feelings do improve and can be treated.
