Highly-regarded and much-loved Doctor of Philosophy from Falmouth feared loss of independence, inquest hears – Falmouth Packet

A highly-regarded Doctor of Philosophy from Falmouth who had cerebral palsy was found hanged in his University of Oxford accommodation after becoming fearful he may lose his independence, an inquest heard on Thursday.

Dr Simon Kay returned to the prestigious university to study for his PGCE at St John's College, Oxford, having graduated from St Andrews with a Masters distinction in comparative literature and a PhD.

Tragically, the 29-year-old never completed the course, as he was discovered on February 5 this year by a panicked porter who was sent to check on the doctor by his family who had received a group "goodbye" text message.

In a statement, Pauline Kay told the inquest how her son had suffered complications at birth resulting in cerebral palsy but described him as "determined and resilient".

On January 14 this year, his mother received a worrying call from Simon to say he had collapsed outside a university building and was rushed to hospital.

The court heard that although all the hospital tests came back fine, he was told he may have a cyst and was advised not to drive or swim as it could be dangerous if he had a seizure or collapsed.

"In hindsight, from Christmas onwards we were more aware of his memory loss and lack of ability to focus. Simon had researched everything and would have been aware of what was to come, losing his independence would have been the end of him," Mrs Kay added.

Mrs Kay was so concerned about her son, she visited him from Cornwall on the day of his death. The pair had dinner and the mother returned to her hotel when she informed her husband that she thought Simon was okay.

"However, at 9.40pm, my husband and our two daughters received a text message from Simon indicating an intent to end his life," she confirmed.

The coroner heard how porter Tony Friary rushed to the university's student accommodation and forced entry to the doctor's bedroom to find him at 10pm.

The keen sailor went into cardiac arrest while paramedics scrambled to get the young man, of King Charles Street, Falmouth, to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford for urgent treatment.

However, it became clear that the "much-valued" student had suffered a severe hypoxic brain injury and he was pronounced dead on February 9 at 2.48pm by Dr David Garry.

Sitting in Oxford Coroner's Court, Coroner Darren Salter concluded a verdict of suicide.

Paying tribute to their son, his parents said: "Simon was a much-loved and loving son and brother. He achieved many goals in his life. He flew so high, sailed so far and he continues to inspire us. Please celebrate Simons life and raise a glass in his memory."

Mr Salter said: "Not only would his death have been a great shock, but it was very unexpected, not unlike some cases not in the context of previous history of mental health problems.

"But it does appear that not only did he have physical health problems, it looked as though he was becoming more concerned after having what was thought to be a collapse in January.

"There was a text message sent. Although it could not have been foreseen, the message does indicate an intent."

Dr Kay had graduated from the University of Oxford with an undergraduate degree before studying for his Masters at St Andrews University in Scotland.

He graduated his Mlitt (Master of Letters) with top grades gaining a distinction in 2013 before continuing to study for his PhD, graduating in 2017 as a Doctor of Philosophy in Modern Languages. He returned to Oxford University to study for his PGCE teaching qualification, but sadly never finished it.

Professor Maggie Snowling, president of St Johns College, said at the time of his death: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm that Dr Simon Kay, a former undergraduate and current PGCE student at St Johns College, died recently in the John Radcliffe Hospital. Our thoughts and condolences are with Simons parents and his family and close friends at this extremely difficult time.

"Simon was a much-valued and well-liked member of St Johns. Widely travelled and a keen sailor, members of the College will miss his dry humour and his reading in chapel."

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Highly-regarded and much-loved Doctor of Philosophy from Falmouth feared loss of independence, inquest hears - Falmouth Packet