Student ‘Googled sick suicide websites’ before taking life

A mother has blasted sick suicide websites after her 21-year-old son Google searched how to kill himself before taking his own life.

Scottish student Connel Arthur was found dead in his room in Reykjavik, Iceland, hours after he sent a message saying goodbye to his girlfriend.  

His devastated mother Nathalie has now called on internet giants to ban suicide websites.

Connel Arthur, 21, with his mother Nathalie who has called on internet giants to ban suicide websites

Ms Arthur said her son had never shown any signs of depression before, but had become concerned about finding accommodation in the Icelandic capital, while he completed an Erasmus year.

The mother-of-two, from Bannockburn, wants action to be taken to stop other young people taking the same path.

She told the Daily Record: ‘Connel was full of life which is why this is all such a shock.

‘Why are these suicide websites not talked about and why is it available? It’s not okay. This information should not be there for people to access.’

Ms Arthur said that concerns over accommodation were weighing heavy on her son’s mind and that ‘becoming homeless’ was a ‘massive concern’. 

However, she added that he ‘loved life’ which made his death all the more shocking.

Connel Arthur

Connel Arthur

Mr Arthur was found dead in his room in Reykjavik, Iceland, hours after he sent a message saying goodbye to his girlfriend

Mr Arthur, who studied at Glasgow University and was a keen surfer and snowboarder, had been watching unrelated YouTube videos before sending a goodbye message to his girlfriend at about 5:30pm.

His girlfriend then raised the alarm and Mr Arthur was discovered by a friend by 8pm, but sadly it was too late.

Ms Arthur has now urged parents to reach out to their children if they appear to be depressed.

She said: ‘Go and talk to yours kids. Get them to talk to their friends. Ask them if they’re OK. Send a text, take somebody out for a coffee – that can buy precious time.’

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details. 



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