A TEENAGER whose 'tragic' death rocked the core of a school community was found hanging at his home, a court has heard.

St Birinus School pupil Harry Storey, 13, died on Monday last week at Headington's John Radcliffe Hospital.

At his inquest opening yesterday, Oxford Coroner's Court heard how the schoolboy had been found hanging at his home in Chilton, near Didcot, three days earlier.

Oxfordshire coroner Darren Salter said Harry's death was a 'tragic case' particularly as he was 'so young.'

He added that Harry had 'previously no known mental health history'.

The youngster was taken to the John Radcliffe on Friday, March 1 and Mr Salter said a CT scan revealed he had suffered a brain injury.

He said Harry was kept on a medical ventilator and sedated but that a doctor at the hospital confirmed his death at 10.10am last Monday.

The cause of his death was recorded as hypoxic brain injury due to asphyxiation and he was formally identified by family members.

Oxford Mail:

Harry Storey pictured taking part in activities at a St Birinus School fundraiser in 2017

Further details about the circumstances leading up to his death were not disclosed at the inquest opening.

Proceedings were adjourned and a full inquest was scheduled to take place at the same court on Tuesday, August 20.

St Birinus School in Didcot, as well as neighbouring academy Didcot Girls' School, sent a letter to parents last Tuesday morning breaking news of the tragedy.

Pupils at St Birinus have been signing a memorial book for Harry, in which they can share memories and photos in tribute to their friend, and offer condolences to his family members.

On Friday and Saturday St Peter's Church in Didcot opened its doors to members of the community, offering a quiet space especially for people to pray or reflect on the teenager's death.

The church, which is located close to the secondary school, also invited people to light a candle in his memory.

Last week a statement released on behalf of St Birinus, jointly with Oxfordshire County Council, said the whole school community was 'shocked and saddened by this terrible news.'

Students and staff have been offered support as they come to terms with their loss, and have been advised that help is on hand should they need to talk to anyone.

All-boys state secondary school St Birinus is in Mereland Road and teaches 914 pupils.

Each year group is made up of about 180 pupils, and Harry was in Year 9.

It shares a sixth form with Didcot Girls' School, and both are part of the Ridgeway Education Trust.

The original article incorrectly stated that Harry had a “well-known mental health history”.

The statement from the coroner was, in fact, that Harry had “no known mental health history”.

We apologise for this mistake and distress caused to Harry’s family and friends.

They would like us to point out that Harry was a cheerful young man and talented sportsman. Harry’s family are asking for donations, in lieu of flowers, to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at John Radcliffe Hospital, which cared for Harry.

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