An inquest has ruled that Barnaby Wills, a 19-year-old Oxford University student, died by suicide. Wills was found critically injured on railway tracks near his home in Shepherdswell, Kent, on April 27.
The inquest, held in Maidstone, heard that Wills had experienced mental health difficulties from the age of 17. Despite these challenges, he secured a place to study philosophy, politics, and economics at St Hilda's College, Oxford. However, his mental health deteriorated after beginning university, leading him to suspend his studies for a year on medical grounds after discussions with his family and the college doctor.
Upon returning home, Wills continued to seek help and expressed a desire to recover and plan for his future. Concerns were raised about his welfare on the night of April 26, prompting a friend to call emergency services. Wills was found seriously injured in the early hours of April 27 and was pronounced dead despite the efforts of paramedics. The coroner concluded that he died by suicide after falling from a bridge.
Barnaby Wills was remembered by his parents, Emma and Tony, as an intelligent, compassionate, and popular young man. They described him as outgoing, academic, and deeply caring about the happiness and wellbeing of others. His former head teacher at Langton Boys' School, Dr. Ken Moffat, called him an 'exceptional student' who was admired for his achievements and his kindness, politeness, and consideration towards others.
Dr. Sarah Norman, senior tutor at St Hilda's College, stated that Wills was a valued member of the university community, remembered with great affection for his kindness, intellectual curiosity, and contributions to college life. He was also a keen sportsman, playing goalkeeper for Canterbury Hockey Club and continuing his involvement in university hockey. His family and friends have established a fundraising appeal in his memory, which has raised nearly £20,000 for charities including Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex and the suicide prevention charity CALM. Additional funds are being raised to install a memorial bench in his home village that will provide information and QR codes directing people to mental health and suicide support services.
