Tom Dingle, from Appley Bridge, who had a history of mental health problems, was found in woodland on Christmas Day by a member of the public, after a 12-day disappearance which sparked a huge police search involving the Lancashire force helicopter, drones, dogs and underwater search teams. Lancaster University student Tom, who told medical professionals he was suffering from intrusive thoughts and emotional distress imagining a future without his partner, was last seen alive in the early hours of December 13 last year, after leaving his parents home and claiming he was going to a garage to buy cigarettes. His body was discovered by a walker in woodland off Lees Lane, in Dalton on December 25. Tragically the 19-year-old had found his girlfriend dead just weeks earlier. At an inquest held at Preston Coroners Court, Coroner Richard Taylor, who described Tom as "A vulnerable young man.” said: "It appeared to all who knew him that his mental health was improving to such an extent that he was able to go to university in September 2025. "It was there that he met his girlfriend. It was there that sadly his mental health also seemed to worsen." The court heard how Tom found his girlfriend dead on November 21, 2025. After this, his parents drove to Lancaster to take him back to his family home. He returned to Lancaster to see friends on December 9. On the way home the court heard how Tom told his father he had taken an overdose and subsequently spent some time in hospital. On December 12, 2025 it was agreed he would be seen by a home based treatment team, but late that night he left his parents home saying he was going to get cigarettes. His mother was suspicious and raised the alarm, contacting the police. After Tom was first reported missing, his parents Sue and Peter issued a statement appealing for him to come home. It read: “We just want him home as soon as possible. We’ve even put a note on the front door so he knows he can just walk in. We’re just here to love and protect him, that’s all. "Tom is in a vulnerable state of mind following a traumatic event. He is grieving very much. My husband Peter and I, and Tom’s older brother are going out of our minds with worry that something may have happened to him. "We just want him home where it’s safe. It’s cold and wet out at night. We don’t know if he’s seeking shelter anywhere. He needs to know that he’s not in any trouble because of the distress and worry. He needs to know that we are not in any way upset with him. "We just want him home. We just love him so much and miss him desperately. "So many people miss him as well, especially his family." Coroner Richard Taylor described how on the night he disappeared, Tom had a conversation with his mum saying: "You, dad and Jack (his older brother) have done everything you can, so don't worry." In a statement Tom's mother described how he came into their bedroom to say goodnight, which was unusual for him. They then heard the door closing softly. Tom told his parents, who were concerned for his welfare, that he had gone to get cigarettes, saying "I went through the woods on the way back home. I will be back soon - love you both." But he did not return and his parents rang 999. Det Supt Lukmaan Mulla, the senior investigative officer during the search, described Tom as an immediate life threat. An extensive search included the quarry and canal was undertaken but, devastatingly, at 15.12pm on Christmas day a member of the public reported finding a body in the woods. DS Mulla said: "There were no signs of violence or disturbance. There was no evidence of third party involvement." Mr Taylor said it was his finding that Tom had taken his own life, adding: "My sincere condolences go out to all those who loved him, especially his parents." When life is difficult, Samaritans are there to listen – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org
