The death of an Oxford student who was "ostracised" by his peers following unevidenced allegations has been ruled a suicide at an inquest.

Alexander Rogers, 20, a student at Corpus Christi College who died after entering the River Thames in January this year, was the victim of “cancel culture” within the student body in the days before his death.

An inquest into his death was held over two days at Oxford Coroner's Court which came to close yesterday. 

The coroner concluded that the student was "distraught" after his friends shunned him following an unreported allegation, and the distress of being ostracised led him to form the intention to take his own life.

READ MORE: Oxford man arrested after 'attack' leaves woman 'bruised'

A serious incident review headed by Dr Dominique Thompson, an external expert, found a “pervasive culture of social ostracization” which was “established and normalised” and led to the exclusion of students accused of wrongdoing without evidence.

The court heard the university was not aware of this culture before the report and has since accepted its recommendations which “are being addressed with some diligence.”

A joint spokesperson for the university and college said: “Oxford University and Corpus Christi College extend our deepest sympathies to Alexander’s family and everyone in our community who has been saddened by his tragic death.

“The College commissioned an independent review to identify all learning in this case with the aim of minimising the chance of such a tragic loss happening again.

“The wellbeing of our students remains our absolute priority and we are committed to maintaining the safety of all those within our university and college community.  Our thoughts remain with Alexander’s family and his friends.”

The college added: “Alexander was a talented student, well known and liked in the college community and beyond and a vibrant presence in the Junior Common Room, the boat club and the Materials Science cohort. 

“Whilst the loss of any young life is tragic, we have felt Alexander’s death particularly keenly.”

Oxford Coroner's CourtOxford Coroner's Court (Image: Newsquest) Mr Roger’s family, represented by counsel, stated their priority was for the culture of social ostracization to be recognised in the ruling so similar tragedies are prevented from occurring again.

They requested and were granted a prevention of future death report, a letter the coroner will send to the Department for Education inviting it to consider the prevalence of “cancel culture” across higher education.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire MPs express concerns over Donald Trump win

The area coroner, Mr Nicholas Graham, said: “I would like to express my condolences to the family.

"While what we are dealing with here is in the interest of the public the family additionally has to carry the unique burden of grief, which is a heavy one.

“From what we have heard Alexander was an extremely able and popular young man and his passing is sad indeed.”

He added that the student "had sustained a severe head injury" which was the medical cause of death.

The coroner gave a conclusion of suicide. 

If you’re affected by the issues in this article, contact Samaritans by calling 116 123, emailing jo@samaritans.org or visiting samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year

Help support trusted local news

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber you will get:            

  • Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website        

  • Advert-light access             

  • Reader rewards             

  • Full access to our app