Oxford Tragedy; Transgender PhD Student's Death Highlights Mental Health Crisis

2024-11-17

The child of Fast Show actor Paul Shearer has tragically passed away at the age of 25. Cal Shearer, a transgender Neuroscience PhD student, was found hanged in their accommodation at St John’s College, Oxford, on October 30. An inquest into their death was opened at Oxford’s Coroner’s Court, confirming the cause of death as hanging, with a full inquest scheduled for March 10 next year.

Cal, remembered by family and friends as a person who “radiated warmth,” was known for their commitment to helping others, volunteering with the Samaritans and Oxford University’s Nightline service. They struggled with mental health issues throughout their life, a reality their family described as part of an “all too prevalent but not yet understood crisis of suicides among autistic individuals identifying as trans.”

In a heartbreaking note left for loved ones, Cal expressed their appreciation for the love surrounding them: “I love you and I know how loved I am. I am lucky to have so much love surrounding me.” Cal had recently married their wife, Imogen, an NHS worker, after a long friendship that began at the age of seven. The couple tied the knot at St John’s College in July 2023, where Cal had previously completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Linguistics.

Family tributes have poured in, including an emotional message from Cal’s mother, Vicky Licorish, who shared photographs and described their child as “brave, beautiful, blazingly clever, wickedly funny, and endlessly compassionate.” A memorial page has been established to raise funds for The Samaritans and Gender Intelligence, a charity focused on improving the lives of trans individuals.

This tragedy follows the recent death of another Oxford student, Alexander Rogers, who died earlier in the year and brought to light issues surrounding mental health and “cancel culture” among university students. As the community mourns, discussions continue around the urgent need for better support for students grappling with mental health challenges. If you or someone you know is struggling, organisations such as Samaritans and Mind offer critical support services.

Fast Show actor's child dies - tributes to student who 'radiated warmth'

THE child of Fast Show star Paul Shearer has tragically died aged 25. Transgender Neuroscience PhD student Cal Shearer was found hanged in accommodati

www.thesun.co.uk

Oxford University is rocked by second tragedy

Neuroscience PHD student Cal Shearer, 25, who is said to have 'radiated warmth to all those around them', was found hanged in digs at St John's Colleg

www.dailymail.co.uk

Child of Fast Show star found dead after leaving heartbreaking note

Cal Shearer is remembered as 'brave, beautiful, blazingly clever, wickedly funny and endlessly compassionate'

www.devonlive.com

Child of Fast Show actor found dead at Oxford University

Cal Shearer, 25, a neuroscience PHD student, was found dead in their room at St John's College on October 30.

www.dailyrecord.co.uk

Child of Fast Show actor found dead at Oxford after leaving heartbreaking note

WARNING DISCUSSES SUICIDE: Cal Shearer, a neuroscience PHD student who volunteered for the Samaritans, was found dead in their room at St John's Colle

www.mirror.co.uk