A YOUNG man took his own life after losing money to scammers, an inquest has heard.
Keiron Mullins Bunn, 18, was found dead in woodland in February last year.
Messages discovered after his death revealed the teenager had fallen victim to a financial scam, and panicked when he realised his money had gone.
An inquest at Middlesbrough Town Hall heard how the budding mechanic had been to to work at McDonald’s as usual, and left at around 11pm.
Assistant coroner Benjamin Haigh said a colleague had described Keiron as his usual “funny, chatty self” before his death.
However the student at Middlesbrough College sent a group message to his friends, telling them how he had been feeling.
The Eston teenager was discovered in woodland a short time later.
The inquest was told how a number of messages were later found that showed Keiron had lost his money to a scammer.
Mr Haigh said: “It is very poignant as to how these messages had made him feel.”
Keiron, who had dreams of having his own garage, was described as always having a smile.
His devastated family said: “An amazing young man, so caring, funny and kind.
“He loved the outdoors, mountain biking, watersports and walking the family’s two dogs.
“Like any young man, he enjoyed a good night out, but never got into any trouble.”
The assistant coroner recorded a verdict of suicide.
