An adolescent filled with anxiety tragically ended his life through suicide shortly after being arrested for driving under the influence. Before taking this drastic step, the teen, identified as Archie Craven, 19, left a note for his mother in the letterbox at their home in Swansea.
The inquest revealed that Archie, a talented young photographer, was stopped by the police on July 9, 2025, due to the smell of cannabis emanating from his car. Following his arrest that evening after returning from his girlfriend’s house, his mother was notified of the situation via phone call from an unidentified number after midnight.
Concerned about potential consequences such as imprisonment or losing his driver’s license, Archie took his own life the next morning, leaving only a brief note for his mother Claire, who discovered his lifeless body upon returning from work.
Described as an enthusiastic driver who had passed his driving test in March 2024, Archie was known to offer rides in the Citroen C1 gifted to him by his mother. However, the inquest also highlighted his deep-seated anxiety, particularly stemming from a past road incident that didn’t lead to legal actions.
On the fateful night of July 9, 2025, after returning from a trip to London, Archie left his girlfriend’s residence around 11:30 pm, stating he needed to refuel. Subsequently, he was pulled over by the police, who informed his mother at 12:30 am that he had tested positive for cannabis and was arrested for driving under the influence. Despite his calm and cooperative behavior at the station, he was detained at Llanelli police station until his mother arrived.
Following an out-of-court settlement, Archie was released under investigation, with the understanding that it would take several months to process his blood tests. The inquest disclosed that he appeared ashamed and embarrassed during his mother’s visit to retrieve him from the police station.
The final interaction between Archie and his mother occurred the morning after his arrest, where he assured her of his well-being. Regrettably, this was the last time she saw her son alive. Expressing stress and confusion over potential legal repercussions, Archie confided in his girlfriend before taking his life.
Discovered unresponsive in the family home’s hallway, emergency services were immediately summoned, but Archie was pronounced dead at the scene. The inquest revealed the presence of a note in the letterbox and additional notes addressed to family members and his girlfriend. Investigations confirmed no foul play, and the coroner ruled his death as suicide, offering condolences to Archie’s grieving family.
If you or someone you know is struggling, Samaritans provide support 24/7. Contact them at 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org for assistance.
