Bridgend Deaths Inquests to Open Today

INQUESTS were due to open today into the deaths of five young people from Bridgend who are thought to have hanged themselves.

In all 17 young people from the area are believed to have killed themselves since January last year.

The inquests were taking place today into 21-year-old Alan Price, who died in Maesteg in April, 2007, his friend Leigh Jenkins, 22, from Bridgend, who lived close by and died two months later, and Jason Williams, 21, who died in North Cornelly last August.

The coroner was also due to hold inquests into the deaths of Andrew O’Neill, 19, of Nantymoel, who was discovered hanged in September last year, and Gareth Morgan, 27, found hanged at his Bridgend home in January.

Bridgend Coroner Philip Walters was set to conduct the hearings at the Tabernacle Church in Brackla.

Previously, Mr Walters has expressed concern at the number of young people to have taken their lives in the area.

But he has said that he does not believe the deaths are linked.

Police have publicly ruled out suicide pacts among the victims as being a trigger for the deaths.

Suggestions that the internet and social networking sites like Bebo played a part have also been dismissed.

Meanwhile, a new suicide strategy will be launched at the end of this month by the local council and other concerned groups.

Anyone who feels the need to talk to someone can contact the Samaritans 24 hours a day on 08457 90 90 90.

They can also be e-mailed at jo@samaritans.org

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