Family not informed of missing Lancaster student because ‘it was a weekend’, inquest told

TW: This article includes mentions of suicide. 

The family of a student who died by suicide has accused Lancaster University of being “unfeeling” in the way it handled the death.

Henry Shields, a 23-year-old Lancaster student, was found dead in Williamson Park the morning of Wednesday 20th May after not showing up to three of his final exams.

Henry, who was also known as Harry, was last seen by a housemate in the early hours of Monday 11th May but Lancaster University did not take action regarding his absence until five days later. 

An inquest, held on Thursday 17th September at Morecambe Town Hall, heard it was “likely” Henry had been dead for multiple  days before he was discovered. 

According to Henry’s uncle Richard, the university’s policy to make contact with the family of missing students “within 24 to 48 hours” was not followed in Henry’s case because “it was a weekend”.

At the inquest, Richard described the university’s handling of the situation as “a bit callous” and “unfeeling”, and felt that “some lessons could be learned.”

Richard added: “We have been a bit disappointed with the university and I think, while in hindsight it probably wouldn’t have helped Harry, we think it wasn’t dealt with as well as it could have been because he didn’t attend three major exams.

“There was never a notification to his parents. The report [from the university for the coroner] says there was a breakdown in their system.”

Henry’s dad, Chris, said: “I think it was the seventh or eighth suicide this year for this university which I think is extraordinary. After one exam, two exams, three exams, still no contact; it’s shocking.”

Chris also expressed his disappointment at the time taken to find his son, saying “it was a search party that we ourselves organised” that found Henry’s body.

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Chris also became emotional describing how “horrendous” it is “knowing of the deterioration of his body” and the “gap” in action that caused this.

At the inquest, Assistant Coroner Richard Taylor concluded that the death was a result of suicide and said: “The absolute tragedy is that nobody knew.”

After an examination of his phone, the police found that Henry had made internet searches relating to suicide and called Samaritans the morning of Monday 11th May. The inquest revealed that this call went unanswered.

Detective Inspector Knowles of the Lancashire Constabulary attended the inquest, expressing his own concerns and describing the measures already being taken to improve how Lancaster University handles cases of missing students.

“I have attended meetings with the university to try and improve their support of students and what they do if you have a hard-working student who doesn’t turn up for their exam,” the Detective Inspector said.

“Those discussions between police and the university are ongoing to try and improve the support they offer. When people don’t turn up they should do whatever is necessary to reach out.”

In a statement to The Lancaster Tab, a spokesperson said the university is “deeply saddened” by the loss of Henry and confirmed it has “strengthened a number of processes and systems” following a serious incident review.

Commenting on the number of student deaths by suicide in the last year, the spokesperson said: “The circumstances of each death are different, and some remain subject to individual coroners’ hearings. We have received a formal conclusion of suicide for three students, although other inquests are pending.

“We remain open and eager to engage in any learning that will help us better support all our students and especially those who are facing challenges.”

If you have been affected by the contents of this article, Lancaster students can access 24/7 Mental Health and Wellbeing support  by calling +44 (0)800 283766 or emailing [email protected].

Alternatively, you can contact the Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123, or contact Shout, a 24/7 text messaging service, by texting the word “Shout” to 85258.