Tributes have been paid to a ‘much loved’ teenager whose death has been described as a ‘tragedy for the whole community’.

An inquest into the death of Riley Harrison Ellis, 17, heard the Weymouth teen was a music student and played guitar in a local band at the time of his death last year.

An inquest held at Dorset Coroner’s Court heard statements from Riley’s family, including his dad Michael who fondly recalled his son playing his guitar on family holidays to Tenerife and Newquay.

He described Riley as “independent” but “outgoing”.

Mr Ellis said: "(Riley) was outgoing and loved playing guitar. He loved the beach and paddleboarding. He was adventurous and loved most outdoor sports.

“He was much loved by all who knew him. He was polite and had a good sense of humour.”

The inquest heard of Riley’s love for mountain-biking as well as his passion for playing guitar in a band called The Haze.

Mr Ellis said the family would often listen to him play new songs and that, as far he was aware, were no ‘major issues’ with Riley's mental health though he had reported feeling ‘down’ after finishing secondary school but ‘appeared happy’ whilst at college.

Coroner Brendan Allen told the inquest that Riley had messaged a friend to say he was feeling sad but hadn’t expressed why.

Detective Inspector Mandy Lawrence said police had been called to Teddy Bear Woods near Littlemoor by a member of the public at around 12.10pm on Tuesday, August 16 of last year.

Riley was found and sadly pronounced dead at the scene at 1.07pm by paramedics.

Evidence was found which indicated an intention to take his own life.

Det Insp Lawrence said Riley was “very talented” and that there were no suggestions of suicidal thoughts.

Evidence was also read from a GP who had seen Riley in July of last year - a month before his death - about a separate issue who, again, said there had been no suggestions that the teen was suffering from depression and nor had he ever been prescribed anti-depressants.

Coroner Brendan Allen recorded a conclusion of suicide and said: “This must have been a terrible shock for all of Riley’s family and friends and it is a tragedy for the whole community.

“There were no signs he was struggling, he kept that to himself, and it is so important that anyone who feels overwhelmed should share those concerns with anyone else.

“There is always somebody there to help. I hope that is a message that can come out of this tragedy.”

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