A 'popular and much-loved' medical student at Newcastle University tragically took his own life by falling from a city centre building, an inquest has heard.
Waleed Zahid, 23, was in his fifth year of training to become a doctor when he ended his life. An inquest into his death heard how his body was found near the 55 Degrees North building on Swan House roundabout in Newcastle city centre.
Newcastle Coroner's Court heard on Wednesday how Waleed had sustained multiple traumatic injuries after falling from the building on April 21 this year.
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Waleed lived in Marshall Court on Portland Road in the Ouseburn area of Newcastle and had secured a placement as a newly qualified junior doctor in the Birmingham area.
The inquest heard how he'd previously been absent from Newcastle University and had requested to see one of their counsellors.
The hearing heard how he contacted the university on April 18 this year asking if he could be seen by a counsellor on a Saturday or if they could provide private counselling.
He was told that neither of these were possible but they would provide an appointment as soon as they could. They also provided him with details of 24/7 support services.
In a statement, which was read to the coroner's court, Waleed's friend explained how Waleed had struggled with his mental health. He had sent a concerning message to a group chat on the day he died.
His friend, who lives in 55 Degrees North, said Waleed had visited him on many occasions. He said they would hang out, talk and play video games and he knew the building well.
He said that, on the day of Waleed's death, he saw police in the area and tried to call Waleed three times. There was no answer and he later discovered he had died.
The court heard how Waleed, who had no alcohol or drugs in his system at the time of his death, had also sent a letter to another friend. It indicated his intention to take his own life.
Senior Coroner Georgina Nolan agreed with the medical cause of death provided following a post mortem examination - multiple traumatic injuries following a fall from height. She recorded a conclusion of suicide.
The coroner told the court: "I note that he had sent a message prior to his death explaining how he was feeling.
"And also sent a text message to a group WhatsApp. That having been sent at 1300 hours on the day that he died.
"It seems to me, I am satisfied, there's clearly evidence that Waleed Zahid took his own life and he intended to do it. There was no significant toxicology findings."
Following the inquest, Professor Steve Jones, Head of School of Medicine at Newcastle University, paid tribute to Waleed.
He said: "Waleed was a very popular and much-loved member of our community, who will be greatly missed by his fellow students and staff at our Medical School.
"He was a dedicated student and had all the qualities of a good doctor in the making. He made a positive impact on those he met and we are so sad that he will not get to fulfil his medical ambitions.
"Our deepest condolences go to Waleed’s family, friends and everyone who knew him."
