A teenager who had recently turned 18 sent a final series of apologetic messages on social media moments before he died after falling from a railway viaduct in Huddersfield, an inquest has heard.
Mohammed Fahad was on the Lockwood viaduct on 31 August when he exchanged messages with a female contact in the United States, according to evidence outlined at the hearing. In one message, he wrote: “I’m already on the bridge. I’m going to do it now. I’m so sorry.”
The inquest was told that his contact responded urgently, pleading with him not to jump and saying she would be “sad and lonely” if he did. Investigators later examined Fahad’s phone, including internet searches and conversations, and concluded there was no third-party involvement in his death.
Fahad, who lived with his parents and was described as a student, had also contacted police from his mobile phone shortly before his death, telling officers he was on the train tracks and that he had depression, the hearing was told. Emergency services were alerted and attended the area after a report from a member of the public, but he was found beneath the bridge a short time later and was pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining multiple injuries.
Assistant coroner Angela Brocklehurst heard evidence that Fahad had experienced a history of low mood, poor sleep and anxiety, and that he had previously reported suicidal thoughts. The inquest was also told he had a history of self-harm. Brocklehurst concluded that Fahad died by suicide.
As part of the investigation, police reviewed Fahad’s online activity in the hours and days before his death. The inquest heard that he had searched for information relating to the “right to die” and “assisted suicide”, and had looked at Lockwood viaduct on Google Maps. Brocklehurst said his phone had been examined and that what was found was “deemed inconclusive” by police.
The hearing was told that Fahad had seen his GP and had been referred to mental health services, but did not use the service. The inquest did not hear evidence suggesting criminality, and police said the circumstances pointed away from any external involvement.
Deaths at or near rail infrastructure typically prompt a rapid multi-agency response, with officers working alongside rail staff and paramedics to manage safety risks and establish the timeline of events. In Fahad’s case, the inquest heard that the emergency response began after concerns were raised by a member of the public, with police and paramedics attending the area.
The inquest into Fahad’s death was heard within the West Yorkshire (Western) coroner area, which covers Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees, where Huddersfield is located.
Cases involving young people can raise wider concerns about access to support and how quickly services can respond when someone is in crisis. In Fahad’s case, the evidence heard by the coroner focused on his mental health history, his contact with police shortly before his death, and the final messages he sent while at the viaduct.
If you are struggling or worried about someone else, help is available. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted free on 116 123, day or night, and support is also available through services including CALM and Papyrus for young people.
