Bolton: Mum's heartbreak at death of perfect son

Aston Robinson, a popular Turton School sixth form student, was just 17 when he died at his home address on Pinnacle Drive, Egerton, on April 14.

His mum, Amanda had found him after returning from a holiday and contacted the emergency services, who tragically pronounced him dead.

Although the medical cause of death was given as hanging, there was no evidence to suggest Aston wanting to take his own life.

An inquest into his death at Bolton Coroners Court yesterday (Monday September 7) heard that there was no evidence of Aston having any mental health issues.

Amanda said: “I can’t understand what happened and why Aston died.

“He was my best friend.

“Aston didn’t have any problems or any worries.

“He was happy.

“He was just perfect.”

She said Aston had his ‘future planned’ and had made arrangements for his life guarding shifts, driving lessons, and Leeds festival, over the next few weeks.

Aston with his mum as a baby (Image: Amanda Robinson)

His grandparents had even talked about planning a family holiday, which he ‘loved the idea of’.

The inquest heard that Aston had asked his friend to come so he would have  a friend to go scuba diving with.

The teenager was studying maths, chemistry, and biology at the sixth form and wanted to study medicine at university.

Amanda said that her parents and Aston’s grandparents Timothy and Elaine Robinson were very supportive and very close with Aston.

She said: “His grandfather doted on Aston and provided for him.

“And anything Aston wanted his grandfather delivered.”

His mum  added he had a lot of friends and worked extremely hard, and got good grades in his GCSE’s, and was doing well in college.

Aston was also involved in community projects.

Amanda had gone on holiday for a couple of days with her sister to Spain after being persuaded by Aston to go because he said he ‘had his grandparents Timothy and Elaine round the corner’.

Amanda said she spoke to him on the morning of his death when she arrived at the airport to see if he wanted anything from the duty-free area.

She said: “He said I love you and he always said it."

Timothy - who was described in many ways as a ‘father figure to him’ – says he spoke to him a couple times a day usually and he would come round to his grandparents five days a week if not more.

During the day before Aston died, he had a driving lesson, and his grandad took him out to practice in the evening before his friends were due to arrive, which his mum was ‘happy about’.

Timothy said: “I was picking my daughter up from the airport on the Thursday and asked Aston if he wanted to come with me.

“He said he would if his friends had gone and it wasn’t early, and he had tidied the house.

“But I took my daughter home, and that’s when we found him.

“I don’t think for one minute he intended it.

“I still can’t believe it.

“There is just no reason.

“He was the best grandson I could have wished for.

“He was very confident and someone who wanted to do his best.

“He was someone who would always be very helpful.”

Aston with his much-loved grandad (Image: Amanda Robinson)

The pathologist recorded the medical cause of death as hanging.

Detective Inspector Stuart Woodhead said there was ‘nothing that would indicate a third party involvement’.

He said: “Aston was described as a thriving young man, in good health, with no known difficulties or worries.

“He appeared to be very bright and engaged in his education.

“There is no evidence that he sent messages to anybody.

“There was nothing to suggest Aston was affected by anything that happened that night.”

Senior coroner Professor Dr  Alan Walsh said there was no evidence as to what his ‘intentions were at the time’, and that he was ‘planning for the future’, and that there was ‘nothing to suggest he wanted to end his life’.

Recording a narrative conclusion he said: “It’s a mystery, and I am sorry that we are not able to give you more information, but I can only rely on the evidence before me.

“Even on the balance of probabilities, I am not satisfied I can record a conclusion of suicide.

“I am not satisfied as to what was in his mind or what his intentions were, and the intentions at the time remain unclear.

“I am not satisfied that he intended to end his life.

“I am greatly saddened by the death of Aston at the age of 17.

“I think it’s something you will never come to terms with.

“It is a great loss and great shame for what he could have achieved in the future.

“He was the perfect son and grandson.

“Aston was someone who was preparing, not just one, but several things for his future.”

If you're struggling with your mental health or are in crisis, you can call Samaritans free of charge on 116 123 - they're available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

You can also find support on their website here (www.samaritans.org).