A 25-year-old man who sought urgent mental-health help through Jersey’s crisis service was assessed as the lowest level of concern just days before he took his own life, an inquest has heard.
Daniel Cram, a well-known figure in the Island’s surfing and skateboarding community, contacted mental-health services after a GP became so concerned about his condition that he called the crisis line for him during an appointment.
Despite that referral, Mr Cram was assessed as a “routine” case – the lowest priority level – at the end of November and offered an appointment four days later.
He did not attend and was found dead at his home on 2 December 2024.
On the opening day of a two-day inquest yesterday, Mr Cram’s parents confronted the mental-health professionals involved in his care, questioning why their son’s case had been downgraded despite the GP’s concerns.
We are all left in disbelief as to how this could have happened to someone who tried so hard to get medical help and was let down
Louise Cram, mother of danny cram
His mother, Louise Cram, said she had “put my trust” in medical professionals and “they failed him”.
“We are all left in disbelief as to how this could have happened to someone who tried so hard to get medical help and was let down,” she said in a statement read to the inquest.
She added that failings within mental-health services had caused the “unnecessary death of a beautiful young man”.
The inquest heard that, after an initial consultation with a locum GP, Ms Cram was unsatisfied and arranged a second appointment because she remained worried about her son’s mental health.
During that second consultation, Dr Sean Ryan became sufficiently concerned to contact the crisis and assessment team.
Mr Cram was assessed by telephone during the appointment, and the crisis team categorised the referral as “routine”.
However, Rebecca Brawley, who was the crisis-team manager at the time, told the inquest yesterday that she would have classified Mr Cram’s case as urgent, meaning he should have been seen within 48 hours.
Mental-health practitioner Ezekiel Munemo – who had assessed Mr Cram when he called the crisis line – said it had been “quite difficult” to assess him over the phone.
Ms Cram challenged Mr Munemo over his decision during the inquest yesterday.
“You’ve got a GP telling you that it’s quite urgent, on [which] authority are you able to downgrade that to routine?” she asked.
“I cannot understand what the thought process was. It seems bonkers to me that you can override [his GP] based on a conversation that is very limited, by your own admission.”
The inquest heard Mr Cram worked as a plumber and had been under pressure from long working hours and customers contacting him at all times of day.
An ear infection had also prevented him from surfing and spending time with friends, further affecting his mental health.
Described as an introvert with “lots of friends”, Mr Cram was well known in Jersey’s surfing and skateboarding communities and had also enjoyed snowboarding and skiing, having lived in Scotland and Canada.
The inquest continues today. Deputy Viscount Matthew Berry is presiding.
SUPPORT…
Papyrus: Papyrus HopeLine 24/7 on 0300 102 2470, text 88247, visit papyrus-uk.org for the webchat service or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.
The Listening Lounge: Drop-in at Charles Street or call 01534 866793 to access assessments and support.
The Samaritans: Call 01534 116123 for confidential support.
MIND Jersey: Call 07829 933929 or visit the Seale Street drop-in centre (Monday–Friday, 09:00–16:00).
Focus on Mental Illness: Call 07797 710900
