Qudsiyah Mahmood, 13, had asked her dad to take her the local beauty spot
Taite Johnson, Miranda Pell Search and Discover Writer and Lyra Auld
16:17, 17 Oct 2025
A police cordon in place at Baitings Reservoir(Image: MEN MEDIA)
A teenager grappling with questions about her sexuality and gender identity tragically took her own life during an outing with her father, an inquest was told. Qudsiyah Mahmood, 13, had requested that her dad, who was in ill-health at the time, accompany her to Baitings Reservoir near Ripponden – a location the family frequently visited together – promising she would excel in her forthcoming school examinations.
However, Bradford Coroner’s Court was informed on Thursday, October 16 that this was her method of reaching the spot where she would leap into the water. The youngster died after entering the water at approximately 1:20pm on Wednesday, May 28 this year.
Assistant Coroner Caroline Chandler determined that what was initially believed to be a “tragic accident” was actually suicide, reports Wales Online.
The hearing was told that Qudsiyah had been experiencing poor mental health before her death, and a post-mortem examination revealed evidence of self-harm, whilst Snapchat messages she had sent to friends prior to her death suggested that Qudsiyah had “tragically intended” to end her own life.
Staff and classmates knew Qudsiyah as a “bright, kind and friendly” pupil.
Nevertheless, she had also confided her struggles with sexuality, telling friends through messages how she was questioning both her gender and faith, sometimes describing herself as agnostic and genderfluid. Representing West Yorkshire Police, DI Laura Hall recounted the circumstances that led to her death.
DI Laura Hall said: “Prior to the events of May 28, Qudsiyah had been asking her father, Mr Mahmood, to visit Baitings Reservoir. It was a place the family regularly visited and was about a 20 minute drive away from the family’s home.
“Qudsiyah had asked to visit to take photos on the bridge like she had seen on social media, although due to her father’s ill-health, he warned her that they couldn’t stay very long. Upon promising she would ‘do well in her exams’ if her father took her, Mr Mahmood and Qudsiyah drove to the reservoir around lunchtime.”
Following their photo session beside the water, DI Hall outlined how Mr Mahmood and Qudsiyah were strolling when Qudsiyah requested her father film some footage, just moments before she went into the water.
DI Hall said: “Mr Mahmood was walking slightly ahead, when he recalls ‘feeling like something was wrong’ and ‘hearing a splash’. Mr Mahmood turned around to see Qudsiyah over the edge of the bridge and struggling in the water.”
Following their investigation, West Yorkshire Police discovered just one witness who had observed Qudsiyah entering the water.
DI Hall informed the coroner’s court that the witness – a jogger called Mr Cooke – reported seeing the girl go into the water “without hesitation”.
DI Hall told the court: “(Mr Cooke) heard a man shouting for help and Mr Cooke recalled telling officers that he thought Qudsiyah had jumped in the reservoir.”
Following the tragedy, West Yorkshire Police visited Qudsiyah’s family on May 28, where officers believed that Qudsiyah’s fall was likely accidental.
Police were unable to locate the teenager’s body until the following day, after deploying sonar location technology to search the deep water. At 5:17pm, Qudsiyah was recovered and declared dead. Investigations continued, with Qudsiyah’s friends providing numerous Snapchat screenshots of messages they felt police should examine.
DI Hall told the court: “Screenshots of messages sent on Snapchat insinuated that Qudsiyah was experiencing low mood and was confused about sexuality. She was questioning whether she was gender fluid and agnostic, and also whether she was intending to take her own life. The family was not aware of this but told the police that, whatever the problem, they would have been supportive.”
Based on the evidence presented, the conclusions reached from today’s inquest were that Qudsiyah’s death was therefore, a suicide.
Summarising the inquest, HM Assistant Coroner Caroline Chandler said: “My way of summing up today I have conducted an inquest into the tragic death of Qudsiyah Mahmood, born on October 21, aged 13 at the time of her death.
“On the afternoon of May 28, 2025, Qudsiyah and her father visited Baitings Reservoir in Ripponden. The family visited the reservoir regularly and Qudsiyah had asked her father to go and take some photos on the bridge.
“That morning she had awoken her father, asking to go. They went to the bridge, walked across it and took some photos. Following this Qudsiyah is described as being behind her father. Something alerts him to turn round, and when he turns around, she is gone.
“There is a call from her father to 999 made at 1.13pm. A jogger, Mr. Cooke, describes seeing Qudsiyah fall over into the water. There was apparently no hesitation. He is the only witness who saw her enter the water.
“Multiple emergency services attended the scene and her body was recovered at 5.10pm on the May 29. A post-mortem report found the cause of death to be by drowning. West Yorkshire Police undertook an investigation.
“Qudsiyah’s death was initially thought to be accidental, and her family and friends were interviewed. Social media messages were obtained by West Yorkshire Police, and there are a number of screenshots of messages between Qudsiyah and her friends, which tragically indicate her intention to end her own life.
“Sadly, it would seem by the evidence that Qudsiyah entered the water of her own accord, stepping off the bridge. Given the exchange of messages, and that on a balance of probability, both stages of deliberation and intention have been met, my ruling is suicide. I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family.”
Qudsiyah, originally from Mirpur, Pakistan, attended Crossley Heath in Halifax. In an email circulated to parents, her headteacher characterised her as a “bright, kind and friendly young person who brought happiness to our school”.
Headteacher Dean Jones expressed: “Our thoughts and prayers are very much with her family now and always.”
How to access support if you need it
If this piece has affected you and you want to talk to someone, there are helplines and support groups available, many of them 24/7.
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.
Samaritans (116 123 in UK and Ireland) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.If U Care Share is a suicide prevention and postvention support charity. For free confidential text support text IUCS to 85258.James’ Place provide free, life-saving treatment for suicidal men, and those identifying as male, in the North East. Men can refer themselves or be referred by a professional including those working in health and community services, or by a friend or family member.
Our ChronicleLive Daily newsletter is free. You can sign up to receive it here. It will keep you up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East.
ChronicleLive has created a dedicated WhatsApp community for breaking news and our biggest stories. You can join this WhatsApp community here. It will keep you up-to-date with news as it breaks and our top stories of the day sent directly to your phone.