Boy, 13, found hanged in woods after a row with his mother did not intend to kill himself, inquest told – as family pays tribute to ‘happy-go-lucky’ Scout who was planning a first date with his girlfriend

• Jai Palermo, 13 was found hanged in a field near his home in Pembrokeshire

A 13-year-old boy who was found hanged in woods after an argument with his mother did not intend to kill himself, an inquest has heard.

Jai Palermo, who suffered from ADHD, dyspraxia and sleeping difficulty, was found shortly before 1am on 23 January 2020 hanged in a field near his home in Hook, Pembrokeshire. 

Today, Haverfordwest Coroner’s Court ruled that Jai’s condition meant he may have been ‘unable to understand the fatal consequences’ of his actions after an ’emotional reaction’ to the row.

His mother Nia Owen described how she ‘fell to the floor’ when she heard he was found hanged, describing him as ‘happy-go-lucky and adventurous’.

Jai Palermo, who suffered from ADHD , dyspraxia and sleeping difficulty, was found shortly before 1am on 23 January 2020 hanged

His mother, Nia Owen (right) described how she fell to the floor in shock after learning of his death after a family disagreement 

Jai’s family only realised he was missing after he was dropped home from school by his grandmother, but never made it into the house. 

He was found around five hours later and a post mortem confirmed the cause of death as ‘pressure on neck’.

His mother Nia Owen said: ‘He was very busy from a young age, would give anything a go, had no fear.’

She said Jai was in the Scouts, and a kayaking club and had plans to see his dad and to go on his first date with his girlfriend on the forthcoming weekend.

The police said it was ‘sudden and unexplained’ with ‘nothing to suggest foul play or third party involvement’.

Jai was described as ‘happy-go-lucky and adventurous’

Ms Owen said she was informed by a police officer that her son had taken his own life.

‘Two officers came in and I remember thinking ‘he’s not with them, maybe he’s in the car.

‘The lady said they had found him and I said ‘OK’. She then said that they had found him and that he was dead. I fell to the floor.

‘I asked what happened and she said that he had hung himself

‘I was in complete shock. He was so close.

‘He was just a child. He was happy, he was loved, he was given everything.’

Ms Owen said was also concerned Jai had not been properly warned on the side-effects of his medication.

But Coroner Paul Bennett ruled they played no part in his death.

He said: ‘I cannot be satisfied that he intended to end his life.’

Giving a conclusion of misadventure, he added: ‘It is my view that Jai felt in some way compelled to take the step he did and he did not have the ability to stop and consider the consequences of what he was doing.’

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