**Tragic Loss: 13-Year-Old Boy Discovered Deceased in Neath School Playground**
Residents of Neath have been left in shock following the death of Connor Lee Mark Slade, a 13-year-old boy who was found unresponsive in the grounds of Melin Primary School earlier this year. Details of his final hours and the circumstances surrounding his tragic passing came to light at an inquest conducted in Swansea on 25 July 2025.
Connor Slade, described by his mother Louise Morgan as “a happy boy, one of the lads, a joker and leader of the pack”, was discovered in the playground of Melin Primary, Mile End Row, during the early hours of 29 January. The teenager’s sudden death prompted a thorough investigation, with an inquest aiming to clarify both the events leading up to his death and Connor’s state of mind at the time.
The hearing revealed that Connor had no known history of suicidal thoughts or self-harm intentions. According to accounts shared by his family, Connor would sometimes leave home following disagreements but was known to return shortly thereafter, once his temper cooled. The teenager’s mother characterised him as possessing a quick temper, but typically regaining composure in a short space of time.
Connor, who lived with his mother and stepfather Jason Clark after returning to his mother’s care at age 10, had experienced exclusion from multiple schools and was under the supervision of local social services, the inquest heard. He was one of eight siblings and, despite his behavioural challenges—which included a significant police record at a very young age—he also maintained a close circle of friends. According to Detective Constable Siobhan Danaher, Connor had, at times, misused aerosols and experimented with cannabis.
On 28 January, the evening before his death, Connor returned home around 9.30pm. His family reported that he appeared content and was occupied with his mobile phone, showing no signs of distress. However, a confrontation ensued when it became apparent that a bottle of vodka and an aerosol were missing. The situation escalated, and Connor stormed out of the house, initially without his shoes but returning briefly to collect them before departing once more. He reportedly made a threat to “jump off a bridge,” a statement his family did not take seriously, as he had made similar remarks in the past without intent to act on them.
Despite their initial lack of concern, Connor’s stepfather ventured out to search for him but was unable to locate the boy, prompting further anxiety. As the hours wore on, friends of the family, David “Dai” Morrow and Amy Winslade, who had been visiting, left the house just as Louise Morgan began contacting police to report Connor missing. It was then that Amy tragically discovered Connor’s body in the nearby school playground. Jason Clark, a trained former lifeguard, performed CPR until paramedics arrived, but Connor was declared dead shortly after 3.43am.
Forensic reports confirmed that Connor’s death resulted from self-suspension by ligature. Although traces of alcohol and cannabis were found in his system, these were deemed not to have contributed fatally. Importantly, Assistant Coroner Paul Bennett stressed there was no evidence to suggest Connor had planned to take his own life. Testimony from Gary Chambers, a wellbeing key worker who had seen Connor regularly over the previous year, described the teenager as polite, respectful, and often cheerful, yet prone to periods of emotional dysregulation. Mr Chambers expressed his profound sadness at Connor’s passing, maintaining he had witnessed no indication of suicidal ideation.
The narrative verdict highlighted that Connor’s actions appeared impulsive and likely driven by a momentary lapse in judgement following a family disagreement. Assistant Coroner Bennett explained, “There is no evidence [Connor] had suicidal ideation and there was no history of self-harm… I am not satisfied Connor intended to end his life; intent cannot be presumed.” He surmised that Connor’s departure from home after the argument was born out of frustration, with the belief—tragically misplaced—that someone would find him before any fatal outcome.
As the case closes, the assistant coroner extended heartfelt condolences to the family, recognising the particularly devastating nature of losing a loved one in such circumstances. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities young people can face, especially those with behavioural and emotional health challenges, and underscores the importance of supportive networks for families in crisis.
For readers affected by this story, the Samaritans offer confidential, round-the-clock support and can be reached for free on 116 123.