The family of a teenager who jumped to his death inside St Paul’s Cathedral today called on universities to provide more effective support for vulnerable students.
James Jorge De Sousa Stayton, 19, right, known as JJ, had not attended lectures at Queen Mary University of London for two months when he fell 100ft last April.
His family said they had not been informed of his absence, and believe he “slipped under the radar” amid struggles with mental health.
His mother Alex De Sousa said: “We were totally oblivious to the fact that JJ was no longer a student there, and would have acted immediately if we had known. When does the need for student confidentiality end and their wellbeing begin?”
After recording a verdict of suicide at City of London coroner’s court, senior coroner Alison Hewitt is considering whether to submit a report with recommendations to avoid future deaths. Ms De Sousa, 50, said the family was speaking to a barrister to finalise its submissions.
Mr Stayton’s father Duncan, 61, of Herefordshire, said: “JJ was given an unconditional offer to attend the university but only achieved a D grade in his chosen subject of history at A-level. He was passionate about history and a wonderful, charismatic speaker but he didn’t have the skills to write long essays. In those situations, universities need someone to mentor and support the students.”
A fundraiser launched by Mr Stayton’s sister Sapphire, 22, has raised almost £6,500 for MIND and Student Minds.
A spokesman for Queen Mary University of London said: “The death of our former student James Jorge De Sousa Stayton was incredibly sad and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
He added: “We will reflect very carefully on the recommendations of the report from the hearing when it is issued.”
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