Qudsiyah Mahmood was described as a “bright, kind and friendly” girl
19:08, 16 Oct 2025Updated 19:08, 16 Oct 2025
Qudsiyah Mahmood, 13, died after begging her dad to take her for a walk
A troubled teenager took her own life during a countryside walk with her dad, an inquest was told. Qudsiyah Mahmood, 13, had begged her dad, who was in poor health, to take her to Baitings Reservoir, near Ripponden, promising she would do well in her upcoming exams.
However, Bradford Coroner’s Court was told today, Thursday, October 16, it was a ploy. The schoolgirl, who had been struggling with her sexuality and feelings about her gender, died after going over a parapet at the beauty spot at around 1.20pm on May 28.
Assistant Coroner Caroline Chandler determined what had initially been considered a “tragic accident” was actually suicide.
The hearing was told Qudsiyah had been displaying signs of poor mental health. Her post-mortem examination revealed evidence of self-harm, while messages she had sent to friends via Snapchat before her death suggested Qudsiyah had “tragically intended” to end her life.
Teachers and classmates knew Qudsiyah as a “bright, kind and friendly” pupil, reports Yorkshire Live.
However, she also admitted to struggling with her sexuality, explaining to her friends over messages how she was questioning her gender and religion – describing herself on occasions as agnostic and genderfluid.
Emergency services at Baitings Reservoir following the incident(Image: MEN MEDIA)
Representing West Yorkshire Police, DI Laura Hall retold the tragic events leading up to her death. DI Laura Hall said: “Prior to the events of May 28, Qudsiyah had been asking her father, Mr Mahmood, to visit Baitings Reservoir. It was a place the family regularly visited and was about a 20 minute drive away from the family’s home.
“Qudsiyah had asked to visit to take photos on the bridge like she had seen on social media, although due to her father’s ill-health, he warned her that they couldn’t stay very long. Upon promising she would ‘do well in her exams’ if her father took her, Mr Mahmood and Qudsiyah drove to the reservoir around lunchtime.”
After taking photos by the shore, DI Hall explained Mr Mahmood and Qudsiyah had walked to the bridge. Qudsiyah had asked for her father to take a few videos, minutes before she entered the water.
DI Hall said: “Mr Mahmood was walking slightly ahead, when he recalls ‘feeling like something was wrong’ and ‘hearing a splash’.
Following the tragedy, West Yorkshire Police visited Qudsiyah’s family on May 28, where it was believed Qudsiyah’s fall was likely an accident. Police were not able to locate the teenager’s body until the following day, enlisting sonar location technology to navigate the deep water.
At 5.17pm, Qudsiyah was recovered and pronounced dead. Investigations continued, with Qudsiyah’s friends coming forward with a number of Snapchat screenshots of messages they believed the police should review.
DI Hall told the court: “Screenshots of messages sent on Snapchat insinuated that Qudsiyah was experiencing low mood and was confused about sexuality. She was questioning whether she was gender fluid and agnostic, and also whether she was intending to take her own life. The family was not aware of this but told the police that, whatever the problem, they would have been supportive.”
Based on the evidence given, the conclusions drawn from the inquest were that Qudsiyah’s death was therefore, a suicide. Summarising the inquest, HM Assisted Corner Caroline Chandler said: “My way of summing up today I have conducted an inquest into the tragic death of Qudsiyah Mahmood, born on October 21, aged 13 at the time of her death.
“On the afternoon of May 28, 2025, Qudsiyah and her father visited Baitings Reservoir in Ripdon. The family visited the reservoir regularly and Qudsiyah had asked her father to go and take some photos on the bridge. That morning she had awoken her father, asking to go. They went to the bridge, walked across it and took some photos. Following this Qudsiyah is described as being behind her father. Something alerts him to turn round, and when he turns around, she is gone.
“Qudsiyah’s death was initially thought to be accidental, and her family and friends were interviewed. Social media messages were obtained by West Yorkshire Police, and there are a number of screenshots of messages between Qudsiyah and her friends, which tragically indicate her intention to end her own life.
“Sadly, it would seem by the evidence that Qudsiyah entered the water of her own accord. Given the exchange of messages, and that on a balance of probability, both stages of deliberation and intention have been met, my ruling is suicide. I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family.”
Qudsiyah, who was born in Mirpur, Pakistan, went to Crossley Heath in Halifax. In an email to parents, her headteacher described her as a “bright, kind and friendly young person who brought happiness to our school”. Headteacher Dean Jones said: “Our thoughts and prayers are very much with her family now and always.”
Mental health support
Helplines and support groups
The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably (0800 58 58 58) is a leading movement against suicide. It runs a UK helpline and webchat from 5pm to midnight 365 days a year for anyone who has hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.
- PANDAS (0808 1961 776) runs a free helpline and offers a support service for people who may be suffering with perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (antenatal) and postnatal depression plus support for their family or network.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
- Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone who has been affected by a suicide. This includes dealing with police and coroners; helping with media enquiries; preparing for and attending an inquest and helping to access other, appropriate, local support services. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk for more details.
- Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text SHOUT to 85258 to find relevant services near you.
- Young Persons Advisory Service – Providing mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: support@ypas.org.uk
- Paul’s Place – providing free counselling and group sessions to anyone living in Merseyside who has lost a family member or friend to suicide. Tel: 0151 226 0696 or email: paulsplace@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk
- The Martin Gallier Project – offering face to face support for individuals considering suicide and their families. Opening hours 9.30-16.30, 7 days a week. Tel: 0151 644 0294 email: triage@gallierhouse.co.uk
- James’ Place – supports men over 18 who are experiencing a suicidal crisis by providing quick access to therapy and support. Call 0151 303 5757 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm or visit https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/