University Student Commits Suicide After Finding Out Exam Results

A university student jumped to her death from her halls of residence after she feared her exam results would stop her becoming a research scientist, an inquest has heard.

Samantha MacDonald, 20 was determined to get a first-class degree as part of her life's ambition to 'make a difference' as a top scientist.

But the human biology undergraduate was left devastated after receiving a 2:2 in her second-year exams which she feared were not good enough. 

She had also been battling undiagnosed depression following the death of her great aunt and had written notes to her family, later found in her bedroom, in which she revealed her intention to take her life.

After a night out clubbing with friends, Ms McDonald jumped from her student apartment at the University of Salford in Greater Manchester.

A security guard tried to revive her but she died at the scene from multiple injuries. 

An inquest into her death in Bolton recorded a verdict of suicide. She died in October, just weeks after starting the third year of a human biology and infectious diseases course.

During the hearing, the inquest was told how Ms MacDonald, from Dukinfield, Manchester, wanted to achieve a first-class degree and was disheartened with her results. 

Her father Stephen MacDonald told the inquest: 'Sammy was very focused at university and really wanted to get a First.

'She did extremely well during her first year and was just short of the mark she needed for a First. She did well in her coursework but seemed to struggle during exams.

'After second year she got a 2:2 which really knocked her confidence.'

'She was always a very hard-working girl but she never really got the grades that reflected her studies,' he said. 

'She had a very strong interest in science and wanted to make a change in the world. She could not wait to get back to university as she had a good social life and enjoyed seeing her friends.

Police Coroner's Officer Alison Park said that a number of notes were found in Samantha's bedroom, with the handwriting possibly affected by the amount of alcohol she had consumed.

A search of her mobile phone revealed that she had made a Google search for 'funeral songs' at 5.39am.

The inquest heard she had never sought help for mental health issues from a doctor or university health advisor.