An inquest has now ruled that Mia Holland committed suicide
Mia Holland was just 13 when she died(Image: Handout/StokeLive)
Mia Holland’s parents were left devastated after their “beautiful” 13-year-old girl took her own life.
She was discovered by her dad Chris in the early hours of April 7, after Mia was been “down” for days.
News of her passing came has a complete shock to her family and school, as none of them had any idea she would take such drastic action.
Read more: Major UK chain closing 29 stores launches 50% off sale
An inquest has now ruled that Mia committed suicide.
Staffordshire Police had been alerted to the tragedy, with Detective Constable Bethany Rayner telling the inquest: “Uniformed officers were the first to arrive on the scene. Paramedics, her father, stepmother and siblings were all there too.
“Her father, Chris, told officers that Mia had been acting normally before she went to bed on Sunday, April 6, at around 8.30pm. But her stepmother noticed her bedroom light was still on at 1am.
“Chris went into the room and discovered her body hanging inside. Paramedics arrived shortly afterwards but there was nothing they could do. Mia was pronounced dead at the scene at 1.36am.”
In a statement, mum Laura said: “Mia was such a gentle, beautiful person. I wish I could show you all of the memories I have of her inside my head. Her laughter was infectious. The crinkle of her nose, her giggle and how it made everyone smile and laugh with her. She was my Christmas baby – the best gift I ever had.
“She was the kindest person. Once we had come back from walking into town, when Mia saw a homeless man. She was so worried about him, that she wasn’t satisfied with just giving him her pocket money. She got us to walk back into town so she could buy him a pillow, a quilt, a sandwich and water with her savings.
“Mia was always well liked, but she chose her friends carefully, which made them extra special to her. Mia had such a big heart and wanted to make people proud. She makes me proud every single day.”
Mia at her last birthday(Image: Handout/StokeLive)
In his statement, Chris said: “Mia was not only my beautiful daughter, but also an amazing sister, cousin, and cherished friend to everyone that knew her. She lit up every room with her big blue eyes and her beaming smile. If you wanted a cuddle, Mia would stop whatever she was doing and give you a tight squeeze. They were the best hugs.
“Mia loved being at home with her family more than anything, sitting up on the sofa and watching a film or dancing with her siblings. She loved practicing her hair and make-up skills. She also loved making Lego flowers. A set that should take hours would take her mere minutes. Mia cherished every moment with those who were closest to her.
“I miss you so much. Our hearts are breaking that you’re not here anymore. We talk about you every single day, sharing our beautiful memories of you. I wish you were still here, where you belong with us.”
The inquest heard Mia had been referred to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) several times.
Dr Asjad Tarar, the safeguarding lead clinician at Lyme Valley Medical Practice, said: “She was seen on June 23, 2023, due to concerns of a possible ADHD diagnosis. Her parents had reported her anger outbursts had become more frequent, with behavioural issues at home and at school. They reported she suffered with mood swings and a lack of concentration. She was referred to CAMHS, who stated the best course of action was to refer her to the early support team.
“She had other previous referrals to CAMHS. In 2021, she was referred following a dyslexia diagnosis after an assessment at school. CAMHS reviewed her information and said they were not concerned and were happy with her progress. In 2020 and 2019, she was referred with anxiety symptoms.”
Mia self-harmed at school, although staff stressed the incidents were dealt with appropriately. She studied at Clayton Hall Academy until July 2024 when she moved to Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent after moving in with her father.
Clayton Hall Academy headteacher Caty Reid said: “Mia was a well-liked, hard-working pupil. She had a positive experience at school, and we ensured we were supporting her needs.
“We were aware that Mia viewed self-harm as a coping mechanism but this was, to our knowledge, low level. We responded appropriately in accordance to our expectations. This included whole-staff training in the prevention and management of self-harm, with specific reference made to Mia. The school provided pastoral support and an emotional coach in relation to self-harm.
“As a school community, we were very saddened to hear of Mia’s death. We would like to extend our sincere condolences to her friends and loved-ones.”
Marianne Goodwin, deputy headteacher at Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent, also said that Mia was offered adequate support, with regular welfare checks put in place. No major concerns were raised during her time at the school.
The cause of death was recorded as hanging.
Coroner Fiona Gingell said: “Mia was an intelligent young lady. Some level of planning went into this and she knew what the outcome of her actions would be. She left a ‘goodbye note’ and waited until a time she wouldn’t be disturbed. This was an impulsive yet deliberate decision.
“Her previous incidents of self-harm were handled entirely appropriately. There were no indications Mia would have taken this drastic action, despite her feeling low that evening and the day before. Nobody could have foreseen this outcome.
“Mia had a very large and loving family. It is clear she was well-liked by everyone she met. Her death at such a young age is tragic.”
Whatever you’re going through, call Samaritans free any time, from any phone, on 116 123.
