Clitheroe teen Alyssa Morris took own life in Brungerley Park

Schoolgirl Alyssa Morris was 13 when she took her own life at Brungerley Park in Clitheroe on Sunday, February 12.

An inquest at Accrington Town Hall heard how Alyssa had seemed ‘fine’ in the days leading up to her death.

Police were called to the park at about 2.45pm by a member of the public who found Alyssa.

Emergency services attempted to revive her but she was pronounced dead at about 4.30pm, the inquest heard.

Alyssa was found in a secluded spot of the park which was of importance to her, as it was where she would walk the family dog and go to build dens with her brother at the weekend.

Alyssa, who lived in Clitheroe with her family, had not shown any signs she was suicidal, with her mother, Kathleen, saying in a statement read by Coroner Richard Taylor, that it was a big shock.

The statement said: “She had been so positive over the past few months which is why this was such a shock.

“There was no suggestion this was going to happen.”

Alyssa was 13 when she died (Image: Family)

The night before she took her life, Alyssa sent a message to her friends talking about her intentions, but the court heard this was not taken seriously.

After her death, police found a note on her laptop, addressed to her family.

Alyssa had struggled with her mental health after starting Year 7, having self-harmed, but she was never officially diagnosed.

Her mother said Alyssa had become ‘withdrawn’ and moved schools two times before settling in and making friends at a school in Blackburn.

Kathleen also had concerns Alyssa may have autism and was referred for a diagnosis by her GP Dr Nigel McMeekin, but because of the way the appointment was held, Alyssa decided against continuing the sessions.

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Alyssa died just five days before she turned 14, and her family held a balloon release at Clitheroe Castle to honour her birthday after her passing.

Tributes poured in for Alyssa after her death, from family and Clitheroe residents, with flowers left at the spot where she was found.

Ribble FM and Clitheroe FC raised funds for Alyssa’s family at a football game on the Saturday, February 18, against Mossley AFC, which raised more than £8,000.

The football match raised money for Alyssa's family (Image: Ribble FM / Clitheroe FC)

A GoFundMe page was also set up to help raise funds for a “celebration of life”, which raised more than £7,500 for the family.

Coroner Richard Taylor returned a conclusion of suicide.

He said: “Alyssa Morris died on February 12, 2023, at Brungerley Park."

If you're struggling with your mental health or are in crisis, you can call Samaritans free of charge on 116 123 - they're available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.