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A schoolboy jumped to his death after successfully completing his final GCSE exam, an inquest has heard.

Tragic Matthew Cotter, 16, finished his physics exam on Monday June 23, telling a teacher he would see her again next year for Sixth Form.

But on the way home, the Year 11 pupil deviated from his normal route and walked up a flyover where witnesses saw him stop for around a minute.

He then removed his rucksack and jumped over the balustrade onto the A38 in Plymouth, Devon, at 10.20am.

He had texted a friend while walking from the school to the flyover.

When he made it clear where he was, the friend rang him but Matthew did not pick-up.

Coroner Ian Arrow said the "multiple traumatic injuries" that Matthew sustained were self-inflicted and recorded that he had taken his own life.

Parents Paul and Jacqueline Cotter, of Plymouth, said they were "utterly devastated" by his death.

They have since found out that their son excelled in his exams, securing three A*s, six As, a B and two C grades at GCSE.

Constable Tony Blackmore told the coroners court that Matthew had "spoken briefly to the invigilator who he had known for many years" after completing his exam at 10am.

"She asked him if he would be returning for Sixth Form and he said he yes," said PC Blackmore.

The police officer said it was not clear why Matthew had decided to end his life.

"The school nor his friends have said a bad word about Matthew and no-one has any explicable reason for why he has done what he has done," he told the court.

Matthew was treated by paramedics while the northbound carriageway of the A38 was closed but died later at Derriford Hospital.

Matthew's parents attended the inquest along with two friends and issued a touching tribute to their son afterwards.

In a joint statement they said: "We are so utterly devastated by the loss of our beloved son Matthew.

"We would like to thank all those who have sent the hundreds and hundreds of messages of condolence, support and memories of Matthew.

"So many people have said how much they miss him and his wonderful smile."

St Boniface's Catholic College said it was planning on creating an award in Matthew's name, recognising his contribution to the school.