A FAMILY spoke of their devastation at the loss of a kind and popular 17-year-old boy to suicide. 

Leo Gibson was found in the conservatory of his family home in Idle, on February 24 this year.

The Immanuel College student was described as a kind and respectful teenager.
He had received conditional offers from five universities to study for a law degree and was looking to go to the University of York in September this year.

He had a passion for music and enjoyed playing the drums, guitar and taking part in amateur dramatics. He enjoyed going out for long walks, either with his friends or on his own. 

Leo also volunteered at foodbanks last year after initially taking on the role as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award commitments.

Leo rarely posted on social media, but had personal Snapchat and Instagram accounts. 

A series of notes written by Leo were found in his bedroom following his death.

These featured phrases including ‘everything is temporary’ and ‘life is unfair’.

In the months leading up to his death, Leo’s family members and friends noticed he had a large mark on his left forearm and, on another occasion, his foot was bleeding heavily when he returned home. He did not elaborate on it, but his parents talked to him about mental health at that time. 

In a statement read out during the inquest, his mother, Debi Gibson, said: “Leo found the first lockdown difficult. He struggled with not having school and not seeing his friends. 

“Leo did not like being fussed over. He was fully engaged in his school work. 

“We, as a family, are devastated and shocked by his death. He was an integral part of the family. 

“We saw nothing but a fulfilling life ahead for him.”

In a statement, read out during the inquest, one of his friends said: “Leo was a quiet person when you first got to know him. But when you did get to know him he was really sociable. 

“He was so well-liked and level headed. He was private and did not talk about what he was thinking or feeling.”

The inquest heard Leo enjoyed returning to school in September last year following the first lockdown as it was a chance to see his friends in person again.

He had minimal interaction with his friends during the third lockdown, which started in January this year. 

When Leo’s body was found, he had been alone in the family home for a number of hours that day while the relatives he lived with there were either at school or work. 

Recording a verdict of suicide during last Friday’s inquest hearing, held remotely by Bradford Coroners’ Court, Assistant Coroner Angela Brocklehurst, said: “He was a boy with a conscience who cared for others.

“He was an intelligent young man. Leo was described as an amazing person who had his own character. 

“His friend said he was a calming person. Everyone got along with him.”
 

The Samaritans can be called free at any time on 116 123.