Connor Lee Mark Slade, 13, was tragically found unresponsive and has been described as ‘a happy boy, one of the lads, a joker and leader of the pack’
Abbie Wightwick Education Editor
19:40, 25 Jul 2025
Connor Lee Mark Slade, 13, was found dead in the grounds of Melin Primary School in Neath(Image: Google)
A 13-year-old boy discovered unconscious within the grounds of a primary school had left his home following a domestic dispute, hoping that somebody would come searching for him, a coroner has concluded. Connor Lee Mark Slade, from Neath, had no history of suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviour and frequently ran away from the property after heated exchanges, though would typically settle down and make his way back, an inquest examining the youngster’s death was told.
Connor, whom his mum Louise Morgan characterised as “a happy boy, one of the lads, a joker and leader of the pack” was discovered deceased within the grounds of Melin Primary, Mile End Row, Neath during the early hours of January 29 this year.
The inquest, held on July 25, was informed that the 13-year-old maintained a solid circle of mates but had faced expulsion from several schools, accumulated 100 police convictions and was receiving support from Neath Port Talbot social services. He also abused aerosols and occasionally consumed cannabis, detective constable Siobhan Danaher informed the hearing in Swansea.
Connor, who was one of eight siblings, resided with his dad Keiran Slade before returning to live with his mum in Neath at the age of 10. Whilst he possessed “a quick temper” he had consistently cooled off following rows, the inquest was informed.
Connor’s bond with his father was portrayed as positive until approximately nine months prior to his death. The inquest was told that on January 28, the day before he died, Connor had been out and arrived home at approximately 9.30pm, reports Wales Online.
He appeared to be in good spirits, showing no signs of distress whilst using his mobile phone, according to what his mother and stepfather Jason Clark had relayed to police investigators. However, upon discovering that a bottle of vodka and an aerosol had gone missing, they challenged the teenager, which led to a confrontation.
Connor began “kicking off” and stormed from the property without footwear, returning briefly to collect his shoes before departing once more and making threats to “jump off a bridge”, the inquest was told.
The teenager’s mother and stepfather later informed police that Connor had made similar threats previously, but they hadn’t taken them seriously as this behaviour was typical for him and he would subsequently return home, assistant coroner Paul Bennett explained. Despite this, Jason ventured out to search for Connor but was unable to locate him after scouring the streets and came back empty-handed.
During the early hours of January 29, the couple’s friends David “Dai” Morrow and Amy Winslade, who were staying over at the time, departed the house together just as Louise was telephoning police to report Connor as missing. Shortly afterwards, Louise and Jason heard Amy cry out “Connor, Connor”.
Dai had discovered Connor’s body within the playground area of the neighbouring Merlin Primary School.
Jason, who had previously worked as a lifeguard, immediately rushed to the scene and performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation during the six minutes before emergency services reached the location.
Connor was pronounced dead shortly thereafter at 3.43am on January 29, DC Danaher informed the hearing. Two assessments conducted by forensic pathologist Dr John Williams concluded that the medical cause of Connor’s death was ligature self suspension.
Despite the presence of alcohol and cannabis in his system, these were not at fatal concentrations and did not contribute to his death.
Evidence from Gary Chambers, a wellbeing key worker employed by the education department at Neath Port Talbot Council, was also read out during the hearing.
Mr Chambers, who had been closely involved with Connor since 2023, meeting him up to three times a week, described him as “engaging and receptive”.
“I found him polite and respectful,” Mr Chamber’s statement continued, “Connor was often cheerful and engaging with a remarkable sense of humour but had periods of dysregulation.”
Mr Chambers expressed his shock and sorrow over Connor’s passing, stating that at no point had the teenager exhibited any inclination towards self harm or suicide.
Assistant coroner David Bennett delivered a narrative verdict, asserting that the circumstances did not suggest that Connor had intended to end his life.
“Connor left the house and said he was going to “jump off a bridge”. Jason and Louise considered this “flippant” and not serious intent. They believed he would calm down and return….
“It would appear that following the argument on January 29 Connor left in a state of mind that prevented him thinking clearly. I do not take his remark that he was going to jump off a bridge as anything other than impulsive – something born of temper rather than of intention.
“There is no evidence Connor had suicidal ideation and there was no history of self harm.”
The coroner further noted that examination of the teenager’s mobile device revealed nothing to indicate he deliberately sought to take his own life.
“History suggests Connor had a quick and violent temper he found it hard to control.
“In my view this was not a deliberate act on Connor’s part to end his own life.
“I am not satisfied Connor intended to end his life. Intent cannot be presumed, so I give a narrative conclusion.
“We will never know but I consider it likely that he had an altercation about missing aerosol and alcohol and Connor’s temper got the better of him. Acting on impulse he went to the school and took the step he did thinking someone would come looking for him before it was fatal.”
Extending his sympathies to Connor’s relatives present at the inquest, the assistant coroner told them: “Losing a loved one is never an easy process. When someone dies in these circumstances it makes it harder. I hope in the light of these findings will give you some closure to Connor’s passing.”