Keen trumpeter Lucien Guest, 22, died on the A-road in County Durham on September 29 last year, at about 11.50am.
An inquest today (Friday, January 17) heard he was seen on the other side of the railings of a bridge over the A-road, before falling into the northbound carriageway and being struck by a Renault van.
Lucien had moved to Birmingham University to study music in 2019 to study but dropped out in his second year having become isolated from friends during the Covid pandemic and began to suffer with his mental health, Crook Coroners’ Court heard.
He was talked down from an attempted suicide by his sister shortly after moving home to Murton, County Durham, in 2021, but had plans on the day he died leaving his family completely shocked by his death.
In a statement read to the court his mum Susan Guest said: “The day before he died he was happy, laughing, and joking. I had a hug with him before I left and returned home.
“On the day he died Lucien texted me about issues relating to his partner. Lucien’s grandmother invited him around for dinner which he declined but he said he would go around and see them for a chat.
“The next thing that we knew the police were knocking on our door to inform us that Lucien had passed away.
Lucien Guest. (Image: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)
“This was an enormous shock as both me and his grandmother had been texting him that morning, with the final hour of his life.
“Lucien’s passing has broken all the family’s hearts, and he will be forever missed.”
The court heard he had left a voice-note for his loved ones which was discovered by police when they searched his home, and that he had been back and forward to the doctors for the previous 18 months struggling with depression. He had broken up with his girlfriend of two-years in the few weeks prior.
A post-mortem examination concluded Lucien died of a traumatic brain injury. No alcohol or drugs were found in his system at the time.
In a statement the driver of the Renault Roaimundas Vasilis, summarised in court by crash investigator DS Michael Hogg, said: “As he was passing under he described what he sees or thinks is a bag of rubbish falling in front of his vehicle. He didn’t have time to react to that, swerve or brake before his vehicle was struck.”
DS Hogg said other witnesses also saw Lucien on the bridge, over the A19 near Murton, and said Mr Vasilis would not have been able to see him while passing under the crossing, or stop.
His mum continued: “He was a happy baby and growing up we as a family realised he was unique, very cheerful and one of a kind.
“He was a loving brother and a cherished grandson.
An inquest was held at Crook Coroners Court on Friday (January 17).
“He began playing (trumpet) at the age of nine inspired by his grandparents and that soon became his biggest passion.
“He found himself isolated from his friends at University. He went from playing his trumpet with a group of like minded people to being stuck in his room on his own and unfortunately Lucien soon lost his passion for music and he left university.
“He was feeling very lost that he felt he was letting the family down and given up on his music alto we all rallied around him and did our best to support him.”
The family previously said in a statement: “Lucien’s fun, loving nature endeared him to those who knew him as a child and as the beautiful, sensitive young man he became.
“He will be loved and missed by the whole family and by those whose lives he touched.
“Memories of life with Lucien will be treasured for the rest of our lives.”
Assistant Coroner Simon Connolly recorded a conclusion of suicide.
Turning to Lucien’s parents in court he added: “My final words go to you. I would like to take this opportunity to express my very sincere condolences for Lucien’s loss.”
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