Kian Southway was found dead just days after Boris Johnson announced strict lockdown measures (Picture: WNS)

A mother has revealed that her son took his own life during the coronavirus lockdown after struggling to cope with the coronavirus lockdown.

Jolene Southway said that her son, Kian, 15, took his life in Rhondda, south Wales, just days after the strict social distancing rules were put in place.

She said: ‘Kian loved life. Boris Johnson announced lockdown on the Monday and he was gone by Friday. The gremlin took hold, he kept saying he couldn’t wait for it to be over and that he wanted to fast forward it all.

‘Kian was very sociable. He did have an air of shyness but he was very polite. He thought of everybody and anybody and he loved being out and about. He was just amazing. He was an immense, incredible big brother to Darcey, he had her back all the time.


Kian’s mother said that he just wanted to fast forward it all (Picture: WNS)

‘We didn’t expect this at all. We constantly talk and we encourage the kids to talk, we don’t hide anything.



‘Kian knew it’s okay not to be okay and he didn’t talk. We will never know why.’

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A friend said: ‘My angel’s put his head to rest. After all the pain I just want to say how unconditionally proud I am of you and genuinely wish I had the time to really help you find your purpose in life.

‘But, trust me, you’re forever in our hearts. Until I see you again, my boy.’

Another said: ‘Speak up, Be heard, Save the heartache. We’ll all make you proud, we’ve got this right now more than anything.’

Jolene and husband Julian, 46, want other teenagers to know it’s ‘okay not to be okay.’

His parents are urging other youngsters to speak up if they are feeling down (Picture: WNS)

Jolene said: ‘We are a family you don’t expect this to happen to. Kian had the best life. It destroys people, families, it destroys everything.’

Kian’s school, Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda, said in a statement: ‘Our school is very sad to lose a very dear member of our family, Kian Southway. Our deepest sympathy goes to his immediate family and those closest to him.

‘We shall come together to remember Kian when we can. Until then we hold Kian gently in our thoughts at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda.’

His friends and rugby club Penygraig Rugby Club U16s also recorded a video paying tribute to Kian.

A team spokesman said: ‘It’s been a hard week for many this week, hearing the sad passing of Kian Southway, a much loved young man by many.’

A fundraiser has been launched by his friends.

For emotional support contact Samaritans on 116123.