Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Bristol Post
Bristol Post
National
Heather Pickstock

Parents of University of Bristol student who died suddenly hope to end year long wait for answers

The parents of a University of Bristol student are hoping an upcoming inquest will end their year-long wait for answers about her sudden death.

Natasha Abrahart, a second year physics student at the university died on April 30 last year.

She was 20-years-old and originally from Nottingham.

Natasha was the tenth of 13 University of Bristol students who are suspected to have taken their own lives since October 2016.

Coroner calls for changes at University of Bristol after student's death 

An inquest is now due to start on Tuesday (May 7) where the Senior Coroner for Avon, Maria Voisin, is expected to examine the events leading up to Natasha’s death, including her contact with University staff, GPs at the Student Health Service, and staff from the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.

The hearing, at Avon Coroners Court, is scheduled to last two weeks.

Her parents, Robert and Margaret of West Bridgford, Nottingham, said: “Every parent wants to know that their child is safe when they leave home for the first time and go to university.

“Nothing could have prepared us for the situation our family now finds itself in.

"The last year and attempting to try and come to terms with Natasha’s death has been incredibly traumatic.

Feminist student's campaign sees UWE Bristol provide free tampons 

“Natasha was loved by everyone who knew her and had such a bright future. We think about her every day.

“We have a number of concerns about the events that unfolded in the lead up to Natasha’s death and whether more could have been done to help her.

(Bristol Live)

"We hope that the inquest will thoroughly examine these concerns, not only for Natasha but also to help protect other young people studying at universities across the country.”

Natasha had passed her first-year with good marks, her family said.  Her hobbies included cooking and baking, playing piano, and indoor climbing.

Natasha’s parents have instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell and Garden Court Chambers to represent them at the inquest.

UWE report reveals 12 student suicides at the university 

Gus Silverman, a specialist inquest lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Natasha’s parents said: “The number of deaths of students at University of Bristol is understandably a cause of grave concern for many parents and for society at large.

“Robert and Margaret have been devastated by the loss of their talented and intelligent daughter. The last year has been incredibly difficult for them.

“Natasha’s parents hope that the inquest will provide them with the answers they deserve about the events leading up to her death."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.