Redcar’s 21-year-old died from ‘non-survivable brain injury’ after long mental health battle, coroner rules

Redcar’s Joshua Levi Bell was just 21 when he suffered a ‘non-survivable brain injury’ at his Micklow Close home

A young man took his own life after a long mental health battle, a coroner has ruled.

Joshua Levi Bell died at James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, on July 19 after being found unresponsive in his Redcar home. Teesside Coroner’s Court heard the 21-year-old was rushed to hospital after suffering a “non-survivable brain injury”.

Summarising the case on Monday, assistant coroner for Teesside and Hartlepool Karin Welsh said the case was referred to Teesside Coroner’s Court by medical examiner Dr Judith Wright who said Mr Bell had died from ‘hypoxic brain injury due to cardiac arrest and strangulation due to hanging’.

Coroner Welsh said: “Despite the best efforts of the medical professionals it was identified that he’d suffered a non-survivable hypoxic brain injury. I understand this young man had a long history of involvement with mental health services.

“His last involvement was on the 11th of July 2024. When he was assessed he was noted to be flat in mood however, did not express any risk to himself or others.”

Coroner Welsh said prior to Mr Bell’s death he said he felt like he was was benefitting from his prescribed medication. She also said Mr Bell, who lived on Micklow Close, was offered an occupational therapy referral and the involvement of ‘care navigators’ but declined the offers.

Coroner Welsh ruled that Mr Bell’s death was due to suicide.