Private schoolgirl, 14, found hanged at family home had viewed TikTok videos on suicide, inquest told

A coroner today criticised 'negative online content' after hearing how a 'wonderful' privately educated teenager had viewed videos about suicide on TikTok before taking her own life.

Adriana Retyte, 14, who dreamed of becoming a professional footballer, died when her life support was turned off at hospital two days after her mother and stepfather found her hanged in her bedroom at their home in Ashwellthorpe, Norfolk.

The inquest at Norfolk Coroner's Court in Norwich was told how the social media giant's algorithm fed more suicide videos into her account in the days before her death after she had shown interest in the topic.

Coroner Johanna Thompson spoke out against the 'the negative effects of online content' which Adriana had viewed, as she recorded a narrative conclusion, saying the teenager had taken steps to end her own life.

Concerns about Adriana were first raised on December 31, 2025, when a software-monitoring system on her school-issue tablet recorded searches for information on how long it took to someone to die from strangulation.

The search and a separate one inquiring about domestic abuse shelters which were both blocked, automatically generated emails to staff at £22,860-a-year Langley School, near Loddon, Norfolk, where she was a Year Nine pupil.

Caroline Pain, the school's director of marketing, communications and admissions said that the use of the tablet quickly returned to normal homework activity after the searches were made.

Adriana denied making the searches when questioned at the start of term on January 6 this year and her mother Greta Saggers, 32, was informed, said Ms Pain who is also the school's deputy chair of governors.

Further concerns began to be raised and recorded at the school about Adriana being repeatedly late and minor breaches of uniform rules, although no safeguarding breaches were recorded and her family were kept informed.

Her lateness was described as 'sporadic rather than consistent', despite increasing over time, and there was 'nothing to say she was at heightened risk'.

Adriana was behaving normally at her home on the evening of May 8 eating pizza with her family and playing with her younger sister when she went to her bedroom.

Her Lithuanian-born mother, who is managing director of an employment agency, and her stepfather Ben Saggers, 40, found her hanging when they went up to bed at around 9.40pm.

Mr Saggers, who runs a property company, desperately tried to resuscitate her while his wife rushed to fetch a defibrillator from the nearby village hall.

Police and paramedics later took over resuscitation attempts and Adriana was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, but her life support was turned off on May 10 after doctors said there was no chance of her recovering.

Police later analysed her mobile device and found no suspicious circumstances or any third party involvement in her death.

Detective Sergeant Victoria McDowell said in a statement: 'Examination of her TikTok viewing habit indicates that in the week preceding her death she viewed a number of clips relating to suicide.

'The TikTok algorithm is designed to analyse user behaviour including likes, watches and shares to identify patterns of interest.

'Based on this activity the platform projects the type of content the user is most likely to engage with and pushes forward similar material.'

Detective Sergeant McDowell said there had also been some 'conflict and tension' between Adriana and her mother but nothing to suggest this was anything other than normal disagreements between a teenager and a parent.

She added that friends of Adriana had said she had spoken to them about 'arguments at home'.

The officer said it was not impossible to 'state with certainty' why she had taken her own life but added: 'She may have been experiencing a number of personal concerns with pressures weighing more heavily on her.'

Recording her narrative conclusion that Adriana had died after taking steps to end her own life, Norfolk Area Coroner Ms Thompson said: 'It is clear her death has had a devastating effect on those close to her.'

Noting how earlier internet searches on Adriana's tablet had been picked up by the school and acted on, she added: 'There was a discussion with Adriana when she came back to school, where she denied carrying out any searches.

'We heard there were problems with punctuality but nothing out of the ordinary and there were no safeguarding issues identified.

'The police investigation included interrogation of her devices and viewing. Adriana had viewed a number of videos and images related to suicide on TikTok in the week preceding her death.

'It seems that Adriana's access to this material may have played a significant part in her decision to take her life that evening. The algorithm is designed to present content in line with earlier viewing habits.'

Ms Thompson said there was 'no way of knowing' why she acted as she did but added it was clear that she may have been influenced by 'the negative effects of her viewing habits'.

The coroner said she would be drawing up a Prevention of Future deaths report to Ofcom and other authorities about children continuing to be exposed to dangerous online content by 'harmful algorithms'.

Mrs Saggers described her daughter in a pen portrait statement read to the inquest: as 'beautiful, kind and incredibly strong', and a 'perfectionist' with 'determination and passion in everything'.

She added: 'She had the most wonderful personality with the right kind of cheekiness, but also manners and respect for others.'

As well as being 'very girly' and loving to do her sister's hair, she was also 'incredibly sporty and absolutely loved football', enjoyed being out in the sunshine and enjoyed shopping and being with her friends, said Mrs Saggers.

Her statement continued: 'Being her mum has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life. I was so proud of who she was. I loved watching her grow, seeing her determination and her love of life. She made me proud every single day, often without even realising it.

'We miss her beautiful voice, her laugh and her attention to every little detail… Our lives will never be the same again without Adriana.'

Langley School described Adriana after her death as 'a much-valued and cherished member of the school community, known for her warmth, kindness and positive spirit'.

The school statement added: 'She approached her studies with diligence and pride, and was respected by staff and pupils alike for her thoughtful and considerate nature.

'She also made a significant contribution to wider school life, embracing opportunities in sport, the performing arts and academic work with enthusiasm. 

'Adriana will be remembered with great affection by all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.'

TikTok have been approached for a comment. 

* For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or see thecalmzone.net/get-support