Mya-Lecia Naylor death: Teenage CBBC star ‘did not intend to kill herself’ coroner rules
‘I genuinely believe she did not mean to do it,’ father tells inquest
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.CBBC star Mya-Lecia Naylor did not intend to kill herself when she died this year, a coroner has ruled.
The 16-year-old, who starred alongside Emily Atack, Fleur East and Tess Daly on CBBC show Almost Never, died by hanging on 7 April at her family home in London.
But the South London assistant coroner ruled her passing as death by misadventure at an inquest on Monday, saying she “did not intend to end her own life”.
Emergency services were called to the address in South Norwood, south east London, at around 10am on Sunday April 7, to reports of a teenage girl in cardiac arrest.
She was pronounced dead roughly an hour and a half later at Croydon University Hospital.
Martin Naylor, her father, told South London Coroners Court: “She had not been her normal self ... she was stressed about her exams.
“She knew she needed to get on with her revision and she had plans scheduled out for her revision.”
He added: “I honestly believe she was just making some sort of point.
“I genuinely believe she did not mean to do it. It was a silly spur of the moment thing.
“She clearly had plans for the future.”
The teenager began her career as a toddler when she performed in iconic comedy Absolutely Fabulous as the daughter of Saffy, Jane. She also played Miro in the film Cloud Atlas alongside Halle Berry and Tom Banks.
A statement posted to the BBC’s website at the time of her death described Naylor as a “hugely talented actress, singer and dancer”.
It read: “We are so sorry to have to tell you that Mya-Lecia, who you will know from Millie Inbetween and Almost Never has, very sadly, died. Mya-Lecia was a much loved part of the BBC Children’s family, and a hugely talented actress, singer and dancer.
“We will miss her enormously and we are sure that you will want to join us in sending all our love to her family and friends.”
Meanwhile Alice Webb, director of BBC Children’s which includes CBBC, said news of Naylor’s death had left her team “distraught and so terribly sad”.
She added: “She has shone so brightly on our screens, both in Millie Inbetween and Almost Never, and it’s unthinkable that she won’t be part of our journey going forward. She was hugely popular with our audience, a very talented actress, dancer and singer, and a real role model for her young fans.”
You can contact the Samaritans by calling them for free from any phone for free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch.
Additional reporting by PA