A promising university student who loved outdoor pursuits and adventure took his own life in his student accommodation, an inquest has heard
Joe Patrick Holland, aged 21, was found dead by his friends on March 15 last year.
His mother, Emma Whitehead, described him as "an active and adventurous young man" who loved mountain bikes and mountains and other outdoor pursuits and dreamed of long distance cycling overseas.
The inquest at Manchester Coroners Court heard how Joe, from Chester, was studying biology in the department of natural sciences at Manchester Metropolitan University.
READ MORE: Man, 47, died after waiting hours for urgent hospital treatment, inquest hears
The court heard he was working hard in respect of his studies and was described by his personal tutor as "a talented, enthusiastic and friendly student who was a pleasure to teach and a credit to himself and his family."
He had achieved first class honours in his first academic year and in all his second year units.
A statement, read out in court from friend and fellow student Michael Mulgrew, described how Joe would sometimes use drugs and on the night of March 14 took MDMA while drinking with friends on a night out in Fallowfield.
He described Joe's mood as "normal" and said nothing eventful had happened.
Coroner Zak Golombeck said a pathologists report had revealed MDMA, ecstasy and ethanol to be present in his system.
His mother, Mrs Whitehead said Joe had an 'it won't happen to me" attitude and thought he was invincible.
She said she had always encouraged Joe to talk about his feelings, but was aware he would not have talked to her about drugs because he would have expected her to lecture him.
The court heard how the following day from the night out, March 15, Michael and another friend thought it strange they hadn't heard from Joe and so went to his door, finding it open and unlocked.
They discovered Joe dead in his room.
Mr Golombeck gave a verdict of death by suicide and said to his parents that he hoped in time they would be able to remember Joe in the way he was described by his tutor and by themselves.
He said: "He was clearly a very talented and much loved individual."
