Son, 22, who died on Swindon railway line after family tragedy

Conor Begley, from Grange Park, walked out in front of a Great Western Railway train in Swindon on December 30, 2023 and died.

The 22-year-old has been remembered as an "intelligent young man" who loved computer games and received good grades, but had struggled with depression following the death of his older brother in 2014.

"For his sister, mum and me, a piece of our souls has been ripped away," said his parents, Marianne and Peter, who described Conor as their "beautiful boy."

Speaking at the inquest over two years later, HM Area Coroner Ian Singleton described how Conor, who was diagnosed with autism, had admitted himself to Great Western Hospital's emergency department the day before his death with suicidal concerns.

He was immediately assessed by GWH's Dr Gardner as red - the highest level of concern - and was kept in overnight while the mental health liaison team came to review him.

However, the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership then discharged the young man, stating: "He seemed to me okay, where it could be managed without primary care."

Conor Begley was only 22 when he died near Swindon (Image: GoFundMe)

Speaking at the inquest, one staff member at the hospital told the coroner's court she had spent the night playing card games and speaking with Conor and felt it was wrong to discharge him.

"I spoke to the mental health team and told them there was something not right, but I was told he had been seen and was free to go," said the staff member.

“I went with him to wait for the taxi and asked him to ring his parents as they’d be worried about him. I said if you were my son, I’d be so worried and promise me you’ll ring.

"He smiled at me and said he would and then got in his taxi and left.”

Conor was then pronounced dead just after midday of that same day.

Over £3,000 has since been raised to help support his family through their grief.

The final inquest is due to conclude at Wiltshire and Swindon's Coroner's Court next week, following a delay in gaining a witness statement.

“Our sincere condolences go to the family and friends of Mr Begley following his very sad death," said a spokesperson for the Great Western Hospital NHS Trust.

“Since Mr Begley’s death, we have already made a number of changes to the way care is provided to patients presenting with a mental health condition and this learning will be presented to the Coroner later this month.

“We await the conclusion of the inquest.”

If you are struggling with your mental health or having a bad time, the Samaritans are always there to listen with no judgment or pressure.

You can contact them on 116 123 and they will help you work through whatever you are going through.