23-year old PH.D Student Commits Suicide Over Pressure From Studies

A 23-year old Oxford University student has committed suicide after struggling to cope with the pressures of his studies.

According to reports, Rafael Ochoa was in his first year of a five year course studying for a PhD in computer science.


The brilliant 23-year-old had already gotten a first class Masters at Oxford and a first class degree in engineering at Cambridge.

Rafeal who was also a golfer, was reportedly anxious about an upcoming tournament for the university’s Divots team which he was captain of, the court heard.

With that pressure and that of his studies coupled with being cox at the Sommerville Boat club and a member of the Hertford College Chapel Choir, the young man could no longer handle the pressure.

The court heard how Rafael – originally from Bilbao, Spain - had spoken to his GP about his struggles.



Dr Helen Salisbury told the coroner: “He was very anxious relating to academic work and a sporting event."
Professor Stephen Faulkner, the Dean at Keble College in Oxford said he had "very positive reports" and the student as "actively involved in the university golf club".


Rafeal, was however hit by a train on April 6 this year.

Cops went to his flat and found letters suggesting he was going to commit suicide.

Assistant coroner Nicholas Graham recorded a verdict of suicide.