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UK teenager hanged herself fearing racism backlash over leaked photograph

A British teenager committed suicide because she feared a racially-charged backlash after a photograph of her was circulated by friends.

Phoebe Connop was just 16 when he father discovered she had hanged herself at Halesowen England’s West Midlands region last month.

The teenager had been chatting online to an Asian boy she called her boyfriend, despite never having met.

An inquest ruled Phoebe Connop died from suicide. Photo: Facebook
An inquest ruled Phoebe Connop died from suicide. Photo: Facebook

But when the young gymnast posted a photo of herself with darkened skin and a scarf on her head to try to impress his parents, she began to fear she could becoming subject to a backlash.

The inquest into her death heard the photograph had been circulated beyond the private group for which Phoebe had intended it.

Phoebe feared it would be deemed racially insensitive.

The Mirror reports Detective Sergeant Katherine Tomkins told the coroner Phoebe “was scared of what the reaction might be from the Asian community in her area".

The Daily Mail reports Detective Sergeant Tomkins said police had learned of Phoebe's fears from her friends.


"We discovered that the image had circulated further than she wanted it to," she said.

"There had been some negative reaction and she confided in her friend, who did take the image down at her request, that she was scared of what the reaction might be from the Asian community in her area."

Her 53-year-old father Lawrence discovered her body when he went to pick his daughter up for a meal on July 7.

“She was a lovely girl who would never want to cause offence to anyone,” he told the inquest, according to The Sun.

A teacher from Phoebe Connop's school said she would be remembered as a confident, warm and caring young woman. Photo: Facebook
A teacher from Phoebe Connop's school said she would be remembered as a confident, warm and caring young woman. Photo: Facebook

“She had shown me no indication in the weeks leading up to her death that there was anything wrong, let alone anything that would lead her to do this.”

Phoebe’s school, Windsor High School, has dedicated a section of its spiritual garden to her and opened a condolence book in her honour.

Her teacher Stephen Lanckham told The Sun she would be remembered as a warn, caring and confident young woman.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Phoebe’s parents, family and close friends at this difficult time and we will offer all the support and care we can to help,” he said.

“Phoebe will be lovingly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.”

If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline 13 11 14, Mensline 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

News break – August 28