A ‘brave’ and ‘compassionate’ Oxford University student was found dead at their home, an inquest heard.
PhD student Cal Shearer, 25, died at their home in Leckford Road, Jericho, on Wednesday, October 30.
The inquest heard that Cal had a history of suicidal thoughts and had been diagnosed with autism in 2018.
Cal’s family, who attended the inquest at Oxford Coroner’s Court on Wednesday, July 23, lodged a complaint after their death with the Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust over its handling of Cal’s care.
They said more should have been done to account for their autism.
Following a post-mortem, a cause of death was given as hanging.
READ MORE: Man, 85, who died in three-vehicle Cotswolds crash named
A tribute was provided by Cal’s father, Fast Show actor Paul Shearer.
He said: “There were many facets to their personality.
“After their death, Cal’s mum in a social media post said they were brave, beautiful and compassionate.
“They were capable of warmth and love. They spent many hours helping at Oxford Nightline.
“Cal’s death was a tragedy and incomprehensible to those around them.
“They had a long battle with suicidal thoughts.”
He added: “Cal was able to mask their autism and present as intelligent and moody, but often mysterious and mono-syllabic.”
A statement provided by Cal’s wife Imogen Voysey-Shearer was read by area coroner Nicholas Graham.
It said: “Cal was someone who everyone liked. They helped others in so many ways.
“Cal was kind, funny and compassionate. Cal was liked in every area of their life, but felt their death was inevitable.
“Coming home to Cal was the best part of my day. We played Minecraft together.
“Cal had a long history of difficulties with their mental health. Cal had a rough time getting up in the morning and struggled going into the lab.”
The statement added that Cal didn’t think the mental health team knew what to do with them.
From March to May, Cal was in hospital which was described as a ‘traumatic’ experience.
Ms Voysey-Shearer’s statement added: “I didn’t understand how I was meant to keep Cal safe. The only way was to stay with them all the time.
“Eventually they ran out of strength to keep fighting.”
Dr Stephen Merson, consultant psychiatrist at the Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust, was asked if the care team had been ‘dismissive’ of Cal’s autism.
He said: “No. We are improving our awareness of the implications of autism. I don’t think we ignored the risk aspect.”
Concluding the hearing, Mr Graham said: “Concerns have been raised around Cal’s mental health care and treatment.
“The trust has accepted failings in these areas. It was accepted there was an absence of a documented care plan. The failings contributed to a deterioration in Cal’s mental health which ultimately lead to their death.”
The coroner gave a verdict of suicide and offered his condolences to the family.
- Anyone can contact Samaritans free any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can contact jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org
