A tragic incident unfolded as a 15-year-old boy, described as ‘loving’ by his mother, was found dead at home. The young boy, Zack Ellis, who had been receiving support from various agencies, including the NHS Pennine Care Trust and Oldham Council’s social services, was discovered lifeless in his bedroom by his mother on July 23, 2024.
Despite the absence of a note, an investigation revealed that Zack had searched for ‘how to kill myself’ online just before his demise. His mother, Kathleen, portrayed Zack as an ‘awesome’ and ‘loving’ individual who had been a supportive older sibling. Zack, known for his passion for art and photography, had experienced a decline in mental health since mid-2022, leading to incidents of self-harm.
It was disclosed in the Rochdale Coroner’s Court that Zack had transitioned from female to male at a young age and had been placed under a child protection plan following a domestic violence incident within the family. His family had requested assessments for ADHD and autism, which were reportedly not carried out.
Various professionals, including mental health practitioners and social workers, had been involved in Zack’s care, with efforts made to manage his emotional well-being. However, missed appointments and challenges with therapy sessions were noted. Despite living close to mental health services, Zack preferred to walk long distances, utilizing the time to clear his mind.
The testimonies in court highlighted missed opportunities and red flags in Zack’s care, including concerning incidents at college and on social media. Ultimately, the coroner identified hanging as the cause of Zack’s tragic death. Efforts to enhance communication and collaboration between agencies were recommended during the proceedings.