A girl struggling with her sexuality and feelings about her gender tragically took her own life during a walk with her father, an inquest heard. Bradford Coroner’s Court was told that Qudsiyah Mahmood, 13, had asked her father, who was in poor health, to take her to Baitings Reservoir near Ripponden. The family regularly visited this reservoir and Qudsiyah promised her father she would do well in her upcoming school exams if they went, the court was told. However, the inquest heard, this was part of a tragic plan by the teen.
The Halifax teen died after she went over a parapet at the beauty spot at around 1.20pm on Wednesday, May 28. Assistant Coroner Caroline Chandler ruled that what was thought to be a “tragic accident” was found to be suicide. Representing West Yorkshire Police, DI Laura Hall retold the tragic events. She told the court: “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.”
After taking photos by the shore, Mr Mahmood and Qudsiyah had reportedly walked to the bridge. Qudsiyah had asked for her father to take a few videos, just minutes before she entered the water, the DI said.
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.”
After investigating, West Yorkshire Police only found one witness who had seen Qudsiyah enter the water, LeedsLive reports. DI Hall told the coroner’s court that the witness – a jogger named Mr Cooke – said he saw the girl stepping off the bridge “without hesitation”.
DI Hall told the court: “Mr Cooke had been on a run around Baitings Reservoir. He was half-way past the dam when he said he saw a girl on the edge of the railing step into the water without hesitation. He then heard a man shouting for help and Mr Cooke recalled telling officers that he thought Qudsiyah had ‘jumped in the reservoir’.”
HM Assisted Corner Caroline Chandler said: “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.”
In an email to parents, Qudsiyah’s headteacher described her as a “bright, kind and friendly young person who brought happiness to our school”.
If you have been affected by this story or are struggling with your mental health, the Samaritans can be reached round the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need a response immediately, it’s best to call them on the phone. You can reach them by calling 116 123, by emailing jo@samaritans.org or by visiting www.samaritans.org.