A TRAGIC Llanfair teenager, who was found hanging by his own father in woodland near his home, had killed himself, an inquest heard.

Josh Llwyd Hopcroft was found by his father Dion Llwyd and his fellow members of Porthmadog’s Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team in woodland near Llanfair on 1 March.

During an inquest into the 18-year-old’s death which was held in Caernarfon last Wednesday, 1 June, coroner for north west Wales, Dewi Pritchard-Jones, said the evidence he had received showed the teenager had meant to kill himself.

Pc Sarah Cadwell from Barmouth Police Station told the inquest she had been called to the wooded area after Josh’s body was discovered.

She said: “I was advised on 1 March that the body had been found, I went to the home address where I found the deceased’s father on the road with the paramedic.

“They guided me to where the body had been found which was a small wooded area, very remote and was quite difficult to access.”

Pc Cadwell confirmed there was nothing to suggest anyone else had been involved in the death of the teenager.

Shortly afterwards and lead by Dion himself and 10 of his fellow team members and Josh’s brother Sion carried him back to the family home.

Pathologist Dr Mark Lord told the inquest that the teenager’s death had been caused by asphyxia due to self suspension. There was also no trace of drugs or alcohol in his system.

Mr Pritchard Jones said that Josh’s untimely death was not a ‘cry for help case’.

He said: “Josh was found in a remote place and was there for some time; cry for help cases happen where the person going to be found quickly, this is not one of those.

“I have to consider the legal questions that the Court of Appeal say should be asked and the first is did he die as a result of his own actions. I find from the evidence that he did.

“I am satisfied that Josh did kill himself.”

If you have been distressed or disturbed by this report, you can ring the Samaritans on 08457 909090.