Teenage boy who took his own life, wasn’t discovered for 17 days

Aldrin Lloyd Carlos was found 17 days after going missing in the Stave Hill Ecological Park in south east London and ‘was severely decomposed and identified by dental records only

A coroner was moved to tears as she described how a teenage artist took his own life in a wooded area and was not found for 17 days.

Aldrin Lloyd Carlos, 19, went missing on July 14 and was found 17 days later in the Stave Hill Ecological Park, part of the Russia Dock Woodland in Rotherhithe, south east London.

Dr Philip Marsden confirmed the teenager’s identity using dental records due to the state of decomposition.

Mr Carlos did not have a known history of mental ill health and no note was found at the scene, Southwark Coroner’s Court heard.

Police reported no suspicious circumstances or evidence of trauma aside from injuries associated with hanging.

His mother Grace, 44, found it “too distressing” to attend the inquest or write a statement but referred the court to a local newspaper interview paying a ‘lovely tribute to a loving son’.

Assistant Coroner Michelle Haste said: “The only conclusion that I believe reflects the evidence is suicide.

“That means it is probable, more likely than not – that the cause of death was a deliberate act by Aldrin to cause his death. I’m satisfied that is the case here.

“Aldrin had the intention to take his life as suspension is likely to be irreversible. There is no evidence of any other involvement or any other party.

“He would have known and understood that this could have led to his death and this act caused his death. I conclude that suicide is the most appropriate conclusion.

“This information is upsetting.”

Wiping away tears, she added: “It is entirely understandable the family found it too difficult to attend. My sincerest condolences to them. May he find peace.”

Grace, a nurse, last saw her son on the night of Sunday July 14 when she wished him goodnight and went to bed around 10pm.

The following day she realised he had left the house without his phone and wallet and without leaving a message, taking only his keys.

On Tuesday, July 16, she filed a missing person report with police.

Ms Haste said: “Aldrin Carlos was found July 31 by a bystander hanging from a tree.

“Police deem the death as non-suspicious.

“He was severely decomposed and identified by dental records only.

“Medical records did not disclose any records regarding his mental health.

Mr Carlos, who was studying Fine Art at City and Guilds London Art School in Kennington, lived at home with Grace and was known for his creativity, love of yoga and martial arts and interest in Buddhism.

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Samantha Day

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