Coroner Michael Robb ruled the death was self-inflicted, though the legal threshold for suicide was not met. “This avoidable death represents an example of the dangers of open internet access,” Robb said, using the case to highlight concerns around unrestricted online exposure for young people, Nadine Roberts of Stuff has reported. When he did not return that evening, a search was launched, as reported by Nadine Roberts of Stuff. Instead, the coroner identified a direct correlation between the teenager’s actions and a pattern of disturbing internet searches. “In reviewing (the teenager’s) internet searches, the officer identified multiple searches for pornography in connection with various acts of bondage or violence, extending to torture, and death,” as quoted by Stuff.

Source: Stuff January 06, 2026 10:02 UTC