THE child of a Fast Show actor took their own life aged 25 after a “traumatic” stint in hospital, an inquest heard.
Cal Shearer was tragically discovered dead at home in Oxford on October 30.
The student’s dad Paul Shearer was a regular on comedy show The Fast Show between 1994 to 1997.
He paid tribute to Cal, who was transgender, at an inquest into the Oxford University PhD student’s death.
Paul said: “There were many facets to their personality.
“After their death, Cal’s mum in a social media post said they were brave, beautiful and compassionate.
“They were capable of warmth and love. They spent many hours helping at Oxford Nightline.
“Cal’s death was a tragedy and incomprehensible to those around them.”
Oxford Coroner’s Court was told Cal had been diagnosed with autism in 2018 and had a “long battle” with suicidal thoughts.
From March to May last year, Cal was in hospital, which was described as a “traumatic” experience.
The student had received treatment from Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust.
The family lodged a complaint with the trust over its handling over Cal’s care, saying more should have been done to account for their autism.
Cal’s wife Imogen Voysey-Shearer told the inquest she did not think the mental health team knew what to do with the student.
Paying tribute, she added: “Cal was someone who everyone liked. They helped others in so many ways.
“Cal was kind, funny and compassionate. Cal was liked in every area of their life, but felt their death was inevitable.
“Coming home to Cal was the best part of my day. We played Minecraft together.
“Cal had a long history of difficulties with their mental health. Cal had a rough time getting up in the morning and struggled going into the lab.”
Dr Stephen Merson, consultant psychiatrist at the Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust, was asked if the care team had been “dismissive” of Cal’s autism.
He replied: “No. We are improving our awareness of the implications of autism. I don’t think we ignored the risk aspect.”
Recording a verdict of suicide, area coroner Nicholas Graham offered his condolences to Cal’s devastated family.
He added: “Concerns have been raised around Cal’s mental health care and treatment.
“The trust has accepted failings in these areas. It was accepted there was an absence of a documented care plan.
“The failings contributed to a deterioration in Cal’s mental health which ultimately lead to their death.”
How to get help
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,www.headstogether.org.uk
- HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans,www.samaritans.org, 116 123
Paul was a member of Cambridge University’s Footlights ensemble alongside Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson and Hugh Laurie.
He starred in the first series of sketch comedy show There’s Nothing to Worry About! the following year with the ensemble.
Paul is best known for his appearances on the The Fast Show where he played a variety of characters, including a bemused customer in the ‘Suit You’ tailors segments.
Cal’s mum and film producer mum Vicky Licorish presented Saturday SuperStore in the 1980s alongside Keith Chegwin and DJ Mike Reid.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
