The mum of a 12-year-old boy who took his own life has paid an emotional tribute to her "amazing" son after an inquest found he most likely did not intend what happened.
Riley Townsend's family had been desperately seeking an autism diagnosis for three years before his death on September 1, 2024, when he was found hanged in his bedroom.
Riley, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, was diagnosed with ADHD in November 2021, but his autism assessment at the time was "inconclusive". This meant a follow-up assessment could have been carried out if the family's concerns remained, but Riley never received a formal autism diagnosis, The Mirror reports.
During an incident that took place during a break at school, an inquest at Nottinghamshire Coroner's Court heard Riley pressed his tie against his throat until he almost passed out before a friend intervened. Headteacher at Quarrydale Academy, Tim Paling said that, when questioned about his behaviour, Riley told staff pressing his tie against his neck made him feel "floaty". The possibility of a sensory issue was investigated following the incident.
Coroner Amanda Bewley said she did not believe Riley intended to take his own life. She said: "Having seen the actions that you took, I agree that, as a family, you were trying your best to get Riley the support he needed. I felt that the evidence was [that Riley's actions were] more likely than not a sensory exploration that went wrong and [taking his own life] was not at all what he intended to do."
Riley's mum, Abi Louise Hill, described the week leading up to the boy's death as "terrible", saying it was "one thing after another".
This included Riley prank calling the police to say his mum was feeding him gin, while his father, later the same day, received a video that appeared to show Riley drunk and self-harming.
In a heartbreaking tribute, Ms Hill said her son had "the best sense of humour and was a joy to be around". She said: "He was someone who knew how to make people laugh and smile. He was a very popular boy and had so many friends. He was very easily led, which sometimes got him into trouble. He was such a devoted big brother and uncle and had so much love to give.
""He loved playing football and put his all into the team he played for. When Riley was good, he was amazing. He was such a character and made everyone laugh with his jokes, dance and banter.
"He was such a talented, handsome young boy. He just struggled mentally. He was kind, caring and put others before himself. He loved his family and friends more than anything and when he threw insults around, we knew that wasn't the real Riley because he had such a big heart.
"I just wish more than anything that there was more support out there for Riley. I do believe, as his parents, we tried our very best to get him the support he needed."
The court heard how the teenager had started self-harming in April - May 2024, telling his mum, "an ex-girlfriend told me it makes you feel better so I tried it, but I don't [feel better]". Ms Hill added that the boy never liked to speak about how he was feeling as he considered it to be weak.
Detective Inspector Nicole Milner, of Nottinghamshire Police, told the court that 17 videos were found on Riley's phone after his death, with 16 of them dating from August 26.
The "upsetting" videos showed Riley saying he was drunk, with his speech slurred, saying: "Guys, I think these will be my final days on this planet. I'm just drinking and drinking and no one is here for me."
A notebook was also found that, although it didn't belong to him, had his handwriting on it. The notebook included a drawing of a stick man hanging from a tree and a number of messages such as "depression hit, might as well quit", "500mg paracetamol", "death is around the corner" and "overdose".
On August 28, another incident occurred when Riley was in Sutton-in-Ashfield and took the salt and pepper pots off a table and smashed them further up the road.
Ms Hill had alerted Riley's social worker of the recent developments, telling her the boy was "a risk to himself and everyone around him". Riley was seen by the social worker on August 29 and "seemed in good spirits". The court was also told Riley had a fascination with knives, prompting his family to put all knives and razors in a safe. The inquest is expected to conclude on today.