Grieving Mom Remembers “Cheeky” 20-YO Son Found Dead in the Woods | He Tried to Take His Own Life 2 Weeks Ago

Trigger Warning: This article contains details of death by suicide that may be distressing to readers.

A mother is left heartbroken after her missing son's body was found in the woods. On March 24, Ben Meah was found dead in the woodland in Norton, Runcorn in England near where he grew up. He had allegedly taken his own life. The 20-year-old had been reported missing just a few hours earlier. His mother, Cindy Meah, told the Liverpool ECHO that her son had experienced mental health issues in recent times.

Ben Meah experienced fatigue after he fell ill and missed much of his last year of high school. He spent less time in contact with his friends which was worsened in recent years by the lockdown. But as a child, his mother remembered Ben as a “very active” child, who was “adventurous” with a “cheeky” sense of humor. “He was a happy child, dead adventurous, he loved climbing trees, and went on PGL holidays, he loved doing the abseiling, even fencing - he was so active,” she shared.

The mother raised concern that Ben had tried to take his own life two weeks ago by taking an overdose. She claims that she hadn’t received any follow-up call since leaving hospital. The mother who feels like she is "drowning" in grief over the loss of her son is urging others who are struggling to come forward to seek help. She also feels men struggle a lot to open up and share their feelings and this needs to change. She believes young men “need to talk to each other" and that she wants them "to reach out and get help."

“There are people out there who are willing to help them and support them. You just need to ask. Ben’s story isn’t a new story, it’s an old story that keeps getting told over and over again and nothing changes. People have to keep talking,” the 51-year-old shared. 

In a GoFundMe, Cindy's friend Louise, who set up the fundraiser, said that her best friend "received news that no parent should ever have to hear. Her beautiful son Ben tragically took his own life at 20 years of age." She went on to say that the young man "had just started a new job and was trying hard to get past some mental health issues that he had recently been suffering with." He is remembered as "a beloved son, brother, and uncle. He will be missed beyond belief but never ever forgotten. Rest easy beautiful boy." The page raised £3,575 to help the family with funeral costs at the time of this publication. Louise signed off saying, "Mental Health Matters."

If you are having thoughts about taking your own life, or know of anyone who is, please contact The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)

References:

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/mums-tribute-cheeky-son-after-26572466

https://www.gofundme.com/f/ben-meah

Cover Image Source: GoFundMe