Inquest Verdict Delivered, Death of Kyle Samuel at Hanley Winter Wonderland Ruled Suicide.
An inquest has concluded that the death of 29-year-old Kyle Samuel, who was found hanged at the Hanley Winter Wonderland ice rink in Stoke-on-Trent, was the result of suicide. The heartbreaking case has drawn attention to the personal struggles he faced in the days leading up to his death.
According to testimony presented during the inquest, Samuel—who both lived and worked at the popular seasonal attraction—was discovered by a colleague at approximately 9 a.m. on November 11. At the time he was found, he was still alive, prompting an urgent response from emergency services. Paramedics rushed him to Royal Stoke University Hospital, but despite medical efforts, he sadly passed away later that same morning.
It later emerged that Samuel had been scheduled to appear in court that day after being charged with making indecent images of children. The impending legal proceedings were described as a major source of stress in the final period of his life.
In a witness statement read during the hearing, Samuel’s mother shared emotional details of their final conversation on the evening of November 10. She recalled that her son seemed to be in good spirits and ended the call by telling her he loved her, something she said he often did. She later discovered he had also attempted to contact his grandmother and several friends that same evening.
Coroner Daniel Howe determined that Samuel died from hypoxia caused by hanging and concluded that he had intentionally taken his own life. The coroner noted evidence suggesting Samuel had been experiencing low mood and anxiety related to the upcoming court case.
The inquest formally recorded a verdict of suicide.
