Student found hanged (From The Oxford Times)

Student found hanged

8:33pm Tuesday 16th March 2010

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The family of an Oxford University student found hanged in his room described him as a “true intellectual” after an inquest into his death today.

Oxford Coroner’s Court was told Toby Rundle, 21, was found hanged at Lady Margaret Hall, in Norham Gardens, on October 8 last year, the day after an evening drinking with friends at the college and a nightclub.

The student, who had sold a first edition copy of Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone for £7,200 to help fund his studies, had spoken about suicide six months before his death after a fellow student was found hanged, his father Christopher Rundle said.

Mr Rundle of Williton, Somerset, added: “He said that having seen the damage to the other boy’s family, that was the last thing he would ever contemplate.”

A post-mortem examination found he died of asphyxiation, and had more than two-and-a-half times the legal alcohol limit for driving in his blood.

Richard Whittington, assistant deputy coroner for Oxfordshire, recorded a narrative verdict outlining the events leading to the death.

He added: “I believe that he was confused, and that his mind was clouded.”

The family released a statement which said: “He was a true intellectual who was just beginning to realise his amazing potential.”

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