A troubled teenager who died after being struck by a train in Whitstable took his own life, a coroner has ruled.

Joe Pickhaver, 16, was killed by a train after jumping onto the tracks from a footbridge on December 10.

An inquest in Canterbury heard today that the Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School pupil suffered multiple injuries.

Joe had suffered from serious mental health issues and was said to have felt his life was hopeless.

The coroner, Alan Blunsdon, said that he was satisfied Joe, of Wave Crest, Whitstable, had meant to take his own life.

“Joe was feeling hopeless and felt like nobody could help him,” Mr Blunsdon said.

“In the latter months of 2016, he was suffering from anxiety and depression and had thought about taking his life.

“There is no doubt that he deliberately climbed onto the railway bridge and jumped onto the track.”

On the night of December 10, Joe told his family he was taking their dog out for a walk.

Train driver John Mitchell said that after leaving Faversham at about 9pm he felt something hit his train, which was travelling at 61mph, and saw sparks fly up.

Later, Joe’s father, Chris, became concerned for his son and went out to look for him and found their dog tied to a fence near the footbridge. He then saw Joe face up on the tracks.

Police and ambulance crews attended the scene and Joe was pronounced dead.

During the week, Joe had been staying at a treatment centre in Staplehurst where he was under the supervision of psychiatrist Dr John Watts.

Dr Watts said in all but one of his assessments Joe had denied any suicidal ideas.

He added: “He said he felt hopeless and felt like nobody could be of any help to him. However, he was an intelligent boy who would be able to beat the system.”

The coroner recorded a verdict of suicide.

More than £40,000 has been raised for a mental health charity through public donations since Joe’s death.

His father Chris said earlier this month: “We continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity of the local community.

“The huge sum raised so far for the YoungMinds Trust in Joe’s name will make a real difference to the help that this important charity can provide to young people with mental health issues.

“We cannot thank everyone enough.”

If you would like confidential support on an emotional issue, call the Samaritans on 08457 909090 at any time.