Oliver Fawkes inquest: Student took his own life after hair loss drug triggered suicidal thoughts

A student committed suicide after a widely used hair loss medication triggered suicidal thoughts.

Oliver Fawkes, 21, was found dead near his family home on November 25, 2025, following a period of severe mental distress.

During hearings at Norfolk Coroner’s Court, district coroner Maeve Skyes formally concluded Mr Fawkes’ death was a suicide after suffering the side effects of prescription medication.

A few years before his death, he was suffering from seborrheic dermatitis, a condition characterized by dry skin followed by hair loss.

Although his doctor initially provided topical medications to address the problem, Mr Fawkes felt “dissatisfied” with the results, leading him to seek alternative treatments.

His search brought him to a website called Manual, a digital healthcare provider operated by parent company Menwell.

After completing the scans in July 2024, she ordered her first set of oral minoxidil pills and began taking finasteride in October of the same year.

Although rare, side effects of taking finasteride include suicidal thoughts and depression. Manual patients are encouraged via the website and leaflets to stop taking the medication if they experience these symptoms.

Despite this, Mr Fawkes continued the prescription and his last order was for a six-month supply on 6 October 2025, just a month before his death.

His mother described him to the inquest as a “unique person”.

He said he achieved high grades in science throughout school and university, which eventually saw him start an integrated master’s degree in computer science at the University of East Anglia in Norwich.

He added that he was even offered the chance to complete his doctorate in 2026.

“It was clear to everyone that Ollie enjoyed and thrived in his work and we were looking forward to supporting him on his journey in any way we could,” he said.

“It is with great sadness that we will receive a first-class diploma in his name in the summer of 2026.”

The day before his death, Mr Fawke’s mother had gone to visit her daughter at York University and her husband was away on business, meaning it was just her and her brother at home.

He described their communication as normal as they texted back and forth.

At around 3pm Mr Fawkes told his brother he was going for a walk to watch the sunset. He never returned.

Both his brother and mother became increasingly worried, as being outside in the dark didn’t sit well with him. His brother spent the evening searching the area and asking neighbors if they had seen him, but he was nowhere to be found.

His mother, who was still in Yorkshire, was unable to get home due to heavy fog, making the journey back to Norfolk unsafe.

“Until now I was feeling sick and unwell,” he said.

When the next day rolled around and there was still no sign of the 21-year-old, a neighbor went to walk her dog to see if she could find him.

At 7.30am she tearfully called Mr Fawkes’ brother to tell him she had found his body.

Police and medical teams arrived at the scene around 20.15 and determined that the person had died.

At the inquest, Menwell’s chief medical officer said Mr Fawkes did not report any side effects or indicate any mental health problems while taking the medication.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has since reviewed the evidence for finasteride and made recommendations for further measures to minimize the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour.

It was stated that from 1994 to May 31, 2025, there were 19 drug-related suicides and 170 reports of suicidal thoughts as side effects.

The agency said there will be updates to product information and warnings.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress or finding it difficult to cope, you can speak to Samaritans confidentially on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org or visit . Samaritans Website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are a US resident and you or someone you know needs mental health help right now, call or text 988 or visit: 988lifeline.org To access online chat on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis helpline available to anyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country you can go www.befrienders.org To find a helpline near you.