Qudsiyah Mahmood died at Baitings Reservoir in May – her death was initially believed to be an accident but has now been ruled to be a suicide by a coroner
A teenager took her own life after begging her dad to take her to a reservoir, an inquest has heard.
Qudsiyah Mahmood, from Halifax, West Yorkshire, asked her dad, who was in ill health, to take her to Baitings Reservoir near Ripponden with the promise she would do well in her upcoming exams at school. However, Bradford Coroner’s Court heard the teen’s request was a ploy.
The 13-year-old, who had been struggling with her sexuality and feelings about her gender, died after going over a parapet at the beauty spot at around 1.20pm on May 28. Assistant Coroner Caroline Chandler ruled what was first thought to be a “tragic accident” was actually a suicide.
READ MORE: Girl, 13, who fell into Baitings Reservoir and died while taking pictures named
The inquest heard Qudsiyah had been exhibiting poor mental health, Leeds Live reports. Her post-mortem revealed she had been self-harming and messages sent to her friends sent by her on Snapchat prior to her death alluded to the fact that she had “tragically intended” to take her own life. Qudsiyah was known to teachers and peers as a “bright, kind and friendly” girl, the inquest heard.
However, she also admitted to struggling with her sexuality, explaining to her friends over messages how she was questioning her gender and religion – describing herself on occasions as agnostic and genderfluid. DI Laura Hall, representing West Yorkshire Police, told the court: “Prior to the events of May 28, Qudsiyah had been asking her father, Mr Mahmood, to visit Baitings Reservoir. It was a place the family regularly visited and was about a 20 minute drive away from the family’s home.
“Qudsiyah had asked to visit to take photos on the bridge like she had seen on social media, although due to her father’s ill-health, he warned her that they couldn’t stay very long. Upon promising she would ‘do well in her exams’ if her father took her, Mr Mahmood and Qudsiyah drove to the reservoir around lunchtime.”
After taking photos by the shore, the teen and her dad had walked to the bridge, said DI Hall. She added that Qudsiyah had asked for her father to take a few videos, minutes before she entered the water. DI Hall said: “Mr Mahmood was walking slightly ahead, when he recalls ‘feeling like something was wrong’ and ‘hearing a splash’.”
Initially, police believed the fall was an accident. Her body was recovered the following day thanks to sonar location technology – and she was pronounced dead. A post-mortem report found the cause of death to be by drowning, the coroner confirmed. As the investigation continued, some of Qudsiyah’s friends came forward with a number of Snapchat screenshots of messages they believed the police should review.
DI Hall told the court: “Screenshots of messages sent on Snapchat insinuated that Qudsiyah was experiencing low mood and was confused about sexuality. She was questioning whether she was gender fluid and agnostic, and also whether she was intending to take her own life. The family was not aware of this but told the police that, whatever the problem, they would have been supportive.”
Based on the evidence given, the conclusions drawn from the inquest today were that Qudsiyah’s death was therefore, a suicide. Summarising the inquest, HM Assisted Corner Caroline Chandler said: “Qudsiyah’s death was initially thought to be accidental, and her family and friends were interviewed. Social media messages were obtained by West Yorkshire Police, and there are a number of screenshots of messages between Qudsiyah and her friends, which tragically indicate her intention to end her own life.
“Sadly, it would seem by the evidence that Qudsiyah entered the water of her own accord, stepping off the bridge. Given the exchange of messages, and that on a balance of probability, both stages of deliberation and intention have been met, my ruling is suicide. I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family.”
Qudsiyah, who was born in Mirpur, Pakistan, attended Crossley Heath in Halifax. In an email to parents, her headteacher described her as a “bright, kind and friendly young person who brought happiness to our school.” Headteacher Dean Jones said: “Our thoughts and prayers are very much with her family now and always.”
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
