Grieving veterinary surgeon parents speak out as talented King Edward VI School teenager dies by suicide at family home with no explanation of his suffering

The Moores family of Hampshire is grappling with a heartbreaking tragedy after their 15-year-old son, Sam, a gifted pupil at King Edward VI School, took his own life at their home.

Sam, who was on track to achieve top grades at the £24,000-a-year private school, was found in the family’s two-acre garden by his mother in February 2025.

The family described his death as completely unexpected, with no warning signs or messages left behind.

Sam’s parents, Andy and Alison Moores, both prominent veterinary surgeons, expressed their shock and sorrow, noting that they “had no indications from Sam that he was wanting to take his own life.”

They have since urged parents to have open conversations about mental health with their children, emphasizing the importance of communication even in seemingly normal families.

A Life Full of Promise and Passion

Friends and family remember Sam as a bright, passionate young man with a range of interests.

The Year 11 student had a particular love for computer science and coding, and he was eagerly anticipating milestones such as his Duke of Edinburgh expedition and school prom.

Despite his vibrant personality and academic success, the coroner concluded that Sam must have been “desperately suffering from something,” though the evidence did not clarify what that was.

The inquest revealed that, in the days leading up to his death, Sam baked biscuits for his family, played in the garden with his older brother Jack, and shared moments of laughter and normal teenage joy.

Family Life and Heartbreaking Discovery

Andy Moores, chairman of the British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association and co-founder of The Moores Orthopaedic Clinic, and Alison, recounted the harrowing discovery of their son.

On the morning of February 20, Alison stayed home while Andy went to work.

After noticing a misplaced sock, Alison and Jack began searching for Sam, ultimately finding him in a secluded part of the garden.

In her grief, Alison attempted CPR while a neighbor called emergency services.

Sadly, Sam could not be saved.

Subsequent hospital examinations showed signs of self-harm on his upper thigh, but his devices and online activity offered no explanation for his actions.

CCTV footage suggested that Sam had attempted to leave the house the night before, but turned back—indicating he did not want to be interrupted or rescued.

Coroner Struggles to Explain a Young Life Cut Short

Senior Coroner Christopher Wilkinson described the case as deeply frustrating, noting that there were no clues, letters, or messages to explain Sam’s actions.

“The objective of any inquest is to assess what the person was thinking,” he said. “Unfortunately, we do not have the evidence to do that.”

While Sam was autistic, the coroner cautioned against assuming that this alone explained his death.

He emphasized that impulsivity associated with autism is typically accompanied by visible signs of distress, which were not observed in Sam’s case.

Ultimately, the death was ruled a suicide, though the reasons remain unknown.

Parents Remember Their Son’s Joyful Spirit

In public tributes, the Moores family celebrated Sam’s vibrant personality.

He was described as intelligent, loving, and adventurous—a fearless skier, keen coder, baker, climber, and sailor.

“We take comfort in knowing he lived life to the full and was surrounded by love,” the family said.

They have since supported Papyrus, a national suicide prevention charity, and encouraged families to make use of available resources.

“We wish dearly that Sam had talked to us, or someone else, about how he was feeling before he died,” they said.

What’s Next?

The Moores family is focusing on raising awareness about mental health and the importance of open dialogue with children.

They stress that even seemingly happy families can experience hidden struggles, and they urge parents to be vigilant and proactive in supporting their children’s emotional wellbeing.

National charities such as Papyrus, Samaritans, and CALM provide confidential support for young people and families affected by suicide.

Parents and teens are encouraged to reach out if there is any concern about mental health or emotional distress.

Summary

Sam Moores’ death is a devastating reminder of the hidden pressures that young people can face, even when they appear to be thriving.

A bright, passionate teen with a promising future, Sam’s suicide has left a family, friends, and school community heartbroken and searching for answers.

While the coroner could not determine the cause, the tragedy has highlighted the need for open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention, and the critical role families play in supporting young people through difficult times.