Heartbreaking tributes paid to rising star at Havant Rugby Club who took her own life not long after sustaining a concussion - inquest
Alex O’Neill was a rising star at Havant Rugby Club, the inquest heard.
Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to a talented young rugby player who took her own life not long after sustaining a concussion from a head injury,
Alexandra O’Neill was described as a “funny, clever and humble” person by her family, at an inquest into her death. The 14-year-old died on July 8 last year.
Portsmouth Coroner’s Court heard how Alex, from Waterlooville, was found at her family home on July 7. She was rushed to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham, but tragically did not survive.
The teenager, who was a pupil at Horndean Technology College, was an avid rugby player, starring for Havant Rugby Club’s youth team, coaching their under-11s and even earning a tryout to play at county level.
Paying tribute to her daughter in a statement, Alex’s mum Helen said: “Alex was a child full of mischief, with a dry sense of humour; she was far more grown up than her 14 years.
“She had a passion for rugby, history and music, and would often be throwing the rugby ball in the garden with her brother Sam, as they discussed these shared interests. Alex also had a gift with animals, which all seemed to gravitate towards her.
“This was not the action of the person we knew and loved. Her friends had no indication of any mental health troubles.”
The court heard how Alex had endured bouts of bullying, both in educational and sporting settings, and while these were dealt with, some relationships were strained in the process. But she still had a strong group of friends, with whom she had made plans to visit New York after their exams.
Alex had also discussed the possibility of attending the University of Cambridge in a few years’ time.
In the weeks leading up to her death, Alex suffered concussion from a head injury, sustained while playing in a rugby tournament. While recovering, she was slowly phased back into life at school, but told her mother she could “feel her brain”.
Helen told the coroner’s court that Alex was “not herself” after the concussion, but a post-mortem did not find anything untoward when examining her.
Assistant coroner Simon Burge said: “My job is to find some sort of helpful explanation to what happened. In this case, there is none.
“It may be that the concussion had some effect, but proving this is impossible. I can’t link it, in all honesty, to when that decision was made to take her own life - but her decision was a private one, and could not have been foreseen.
“My conclusion is that she took her own life while the balance of her mind was disturbed. That is not, however, a recording of suicide.”
Paying tribute to Alex, Havant Rugby Club’s junior chairwoman, Alex Scrivens, said: “Alex was an exceptional individual and her presence will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
“We honour Alex's memory and the joy she brought to our club, and we will cherish the moments we shared with her. In remembrance of Alex, we will continue to support one another and uphold the values she embodied.”
Layla Funnell, assistant headteacher at Horndean Technology College, added: “Our continued, heartfelt condolences, to the family at this very sad and private time.”
The England Rugby Football Union (RFU) has taken an increasingly proactive stance on concussions in rugby over the past few years, both nationally and at a grassroots level.
Two seasons ago, the RFU reduced the legal height of tackles in lower-level rugby, reducing the likelihood of head-on collisions and concussions. Club officials can record a suspected concussion online for a player, which will trigger information on how to manage that concussion being sent direct to the player or parent.
Further to that, the Headcase programme aims to increase understanding and provide information on concussion and other related topics, including how to prevent and manage suspected concussions.
If you've been affected and bereaved by suicide, Cruse is a dedicated service providing free and confidential support across Portsmouth, Southampton, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Call 0330 555 0129, or visit supportaftersuicideship.org.uk
If you need urgent help with your mental health, there is free support available 24/7 from:
- Samaritans - call 116 123
- Shout - text HANTS to 85258
- NHS - call 111 and select the mental health option, or in an emergency, call 999