Teenager Found Dead Following Untrue Allegations of Taking Cremated Remains

A teenage boy was discovered deceased only a few days after being falsely accused of taking the cremated remains of a dead infant during a break-in, a coroner's inquiry has heard.

Tragic Finding

Kai Lloyd's parents found his remains in his room at his Connah's Quay residence on 19 November 2021.

Untrue Accusations Begin

The inquest heard how his parent received a message on November 8th, 2021 via social media, from a individual inquiring if her son was her offspring. The communication added: "Inform him appreciation for burgling my flat."

In a statement read to the proceedings, Lisa Lloyd said the woman had been in the news, claiming her infant's ashes had been taken in a burglary - a allegation which was false.

Law Enforcement Investigation

An investigation report from authorities later determined the alleged burglary complainant had "provided false information" and "it now appears that said property was never taken in the first place".

News coverage about the supposed taken ashes generated social media comments, and although the teenager was not named in the posts, his mother said people "understood it was him".

The "online posts were really distressing", she stated.

Mental Health Impact

She added that Kai had been diagnosed with moderate ADHD, and as part of that disorder, other peoples' opinions genuinely were important to him.

"This must have hurt him deeply," she said, "especially when this was untrue".

Kai was detained at his residence, but nothing was discovered. He was transported to a police station and later freed pending further inquiry.

Police said they would be in touch, the hearing heard, but had not contacted the family by the time of his passing.

Withdrawal and Worry

His mother said Kai "became isolated" after the detention and "repeatedly inquired me whether I had heard anything from the police", because his condition meant sometimes "certain periods could feel like much longer".

When she talked to him about the alleged incident, she said her child told her he had gone into the house because the woman who resided there had said he could use the bathroom anytime he wanted, but refuted taking anything.

Online Harassment

In a combined testimony between her and her husband, the mother said her son was being harassed online after the allegations.

The inquest heard that one 19-year-old urged Kai to kill himself.

She had no worries on the evening before he passed away, describing how she had listened to him "chuckling and joking".

She portrayed him as a "compassionate, affectionate" young man, and said her "relatives is completely devastated".

He had been "obviously concealing his concerns", she stated, adding that he could not bear to have anyone "have negative thoughts of him".

School Reaction

The hearing received testimony from school personnel at the local High School.

On 8 November, she "overheard some boys talking that the student had been detained and that was the first I learned".

"He informed me... he'd was innocent," she continued.

After the discussion, the staff member said she rang the family's family telephone and provided a message saying she had spoken to Kai about the accusations.

The proceedings learned his parents said they did not receive that message.

Official Conclusion

Lead investigator told the inquest he would wait for documents regarding what improvements had been made to dealing with individuals with the condition, before deciding whether he should make a prevention of future deaths report.

Providing a descriptive finding, he said: "Approximately November 8th, 2021, unsubstantiated allegations were made against the teenager, a young individual.

"Probably falsehoods were subsequently embellished and amplified through the platform of social media.

"During 11 November, he was interviewed by the police and after his interview he was freed while inquiries continued."

The coroner concluded: "Exists no proof that the actions or failures of any organization led to or added to his death and although it was the result of a personal act it is not possible to determine his intent."