Tragic Double Loss: Student Takes Own Life After Finding Girlfriend Dead
A troubled student who was left devastated after discovering his girlfriend dead in her university accommodation took his own life just weeks later in a heartbreaking double teenage tragedy. Tom Dingle, a 19-year-old from Appley Bridge near Wigan, was found in woodland on Christmas Day last year by a member of the public, bringing to an end an extensive 12-day search operation.
Extensive Search Operation
The search for Tom involved the Lancashire Police helicopter, drones, search dogs, and underwater teams, covering vast areas in a desperate attempt to locate the missing teenager. Tom, who had a history of mental health problems, had previously told medical professionals he was suffering from intrusive thoughts and emotional distress, imagining a future without his partner.
He was last seen alive in the early hours of December 13 last year, after leaving his parents' home and claiming he was going to a garage to buy cigarettes. In his final words to his parents, he told them he loved them and had reassured his mother that the family had done everything they could to support him.
Previous Tragedy
Tragically, this heartbreaking event occurred just one month after Tom had found his girlfriend, Natasha Braithwaite, also 19, dead in her university halls bedroom. First-year fine art student Natasha suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, and a coroner recorded her death as drugs-related.
Tom had raised the alarm after being unable to get in touch with Natasha on the day of her death. He went to her flat and woke up her housemates. When they managed to gain access to Natasha's room, she was unresponsive on the bed, and paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.
Investigation Findings
Detectives from Lancashire Police discovered a metal spoon taped to her desk, which they indicated had been used for heroin. Toxicology tests revealed she had fatal levels of morphine in her system, confirming the drug-related nature of her death.
Coroner's Inquest
At an inquest held at Preston Coroners Court, Coroner Richard Taylor described Tom as 'a vulnerable young man'. He stated: 'It appeared to all who knew him that his mental health was improving to such an extent that he was able to go to university in September 2025. It was there that he met his girlfriend. It was there that, sadly, his mental health also seemed to worsen.'
The court heard how Tom found his girlfriend dead on November 21, 2025. After this traumatic discovery, his parents immediately drove to Lancaster to bring him back to the family home. He returned to Lancaster to visit friends on December 9, and during the journey home, Tom told his father he had taken an overdose, subsequently spending time in hospital.
Final Days
On December 12, 2025, it was agreed that Tom would be seen by an at-home treatment team. However, this never occurred because later that night he left the house, again stating he was going to get cigarettes. His mother became suspicious and raised the alarm, contacting the police immediately.
After Tom was first reported missing, his parents, Sue and Peter, issued an emotional statement: 'We just want him home as soon as possible. We've even put a note on the front door so he knows he can just walk in. We're just here to love and protect him, that's all.'
They continued: 'Tom is in a vulnerable state of mind following a traumatic event. He is grieving very much. My husband Peter and I, and Tom's older brother, are going out of our minds with worry that something may have happened to him. We just want him home where it's safe.'
Final Moments
Coroner Richard Taylor described in court how, on the night of his disappearance, Tom had told his mother: 'You, dad and Jack (his older brother) have done everything you can, so don't worry.' In a statement, Tom's mother described how he had come into their bedroom to say goodnight, which was unusual for him. They then heard the door closing softly.
Tom told his concerned parents that he had gone to get cigarettes, saying: 'I went through the woods on the way back home. I will be back soon - love you both.' But he never returned.
Search and Discovery
Detective Superintendent Lukmaan Mulla, the senior investigative officer during the search for Tom following his disappearance, described him as being seen as an immediate life threat. An extensive search was carried out in the area, including the quarry and canal, but devastatingly, at 15:12 on Christmas Day, a member of the public reported finding a body in the woods.
Detective Mulla confirmed: 'There were no signs of violence or disturbance. There was no evidence of third-party involvement.' Coroner Richard Taylor concluded that Tom had taken his own life, stating: 'My sincere condolences go out to all those who loved him, especially his parents.'
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