A 13-year-old girl took her own life after posting on TikTok that she wanted to kill herself following an argument with her school friends, an inquest has heard.
Robyn Lott, from Sabden in Lancashire, was found in her bedroom on July 14. Her parents described her as “beautiful and sensitive.” In the weeks leading up to her death, Robyn had shared videos on TikTok where she said she wanted to kill herself.
Her mother, Alison Ward, told the inquest that she had no idea Robyn was using TikTok. She also didn’t know her daughter had shared those thoughts online. Like many parents, she thought her daughter was just going through a normal rough patch.
The inquest at Accrington Town Hall heard that Robyn had been “a bit upset” after falling out with some friends. But after speaking with her mother, she seemed calmer and more at ease. For a moment, it looked like things were getting better.
The next morning, Robyn’s father, Malcolm, went to wake her up and get her ready for school. That was when he found her unresponsive in her bedroom. The moment changed everything for the family.
The coroner gave what is called a narrative verdict. She explained that although Robyn caused her own death, she was too young to fully understand what she was doing. Because of that, it could not be formally recorded as a suicide.
Speaking after the inquest, Ms Ward said she worries that children today have become “desensitised” to the idea of suicide and self-harm.
“We didn’t know about that when we were that age,” she said.
“I know there needs to be awareness about it but it’s almost as if kids are desensitised to it. Parents need to know that this can happen to anyone.”
The inquest also heard about Robyn’s school life. At primary school, she had been a happy and confident student who made friends easily. Things became more difficult when she moved on to secondary school.
Six months after starting at Ribblesdale School in Clitheroe, Robyn transferred to Accrington Academy because of “some friendship challenges.” That change was meant to give her a fresh start.
During the summer term, Robyn’s parents had begun talking with the school about setting up a neurodiversity assessment. It had been noticed that she had some autistic traits.
“It was all going to start in the September but she never got the chance,” Ms Ward said.
At her new school, Robyn became part of a close-knit group of friends. She was described as “a vibrant, funny, and fiercely unique soul.” But in the days before her death, she split up with the girl she had been seeing. The break-up affected her deeply.
Robyn had posted videos on TikTok that hinted at dying and being close to doing it. Area Coroner Emma Mather said several of these posts were “quite concerning,” including at least two videos where Robyn spoke about hurting herself.
There had also been another falling-out with friends shortly before her death.
Robyn’s parents told the coroner they do not believe their daughter fully understood the final outcome of her actions.
“It was just a spur of the moment thing. She didn’t realise, she was too young to understand,” Ms Ward said.
After Robyn’s passing, the police spoke to some of her friends. One told officers that Robyn had admitted to cutting herself after the relationship ended. She had also sent a text message to a friend at some earlier point, saying: “I’m going to kill myself.” The coroner noted that this message had been sent “quite some time ago.”
The coroner explained that for a death to be officially ruled as suicide, it must be proven that the person acted with clear intent to end their own life. In Robyn’s case, she said that her young age, impulsive behavior, and strong emotions made that conclusion impossible.
“I know that Robyn had referred to wanting to kill herself in messages to friends but she was young, she was impulsive and she was experiencing heightened emotions,” the coroner said.
She added that Robyn’s death was a heartbreaking loss.
“Robyn was only 13 at the time of her tragic death and there are probably no words I can use to convey just how tragic the loss of a child is. Her family should be proud of her; she was a wonderful young woman.”
After the inquest, Ms Ward spoke again about her daughter with love and deep emotion.
“She was a kind, sensitive, beautiful soul,” she said. “She will never be forgotten, always in my heart and a piece of my soul will always be with her.”
