Who was Daniel Knott?
Daniel Knott was a 39-year-old man from Betws, Carmarthenshire, who had a passion for fun, hardcore dance music and DJing. He was described by his mother, Jenny Tancock, as “an enigma, full of beans, full of life, from the day he was born just kind, caring, generous, loved by everybody” [according to BBC News].
How did Daniel Knott die?
Daniel Knott took his own life on 27 March 2023. He was found by a woman who called the emergency services. However, before they arrived, a man named Jacob Morse, who was working nearby, came across the scene and filmed Daniel’s body using his mobile phone. He then posted the video on Facebook, where it was seen by many people, including some of Daniel’s friends and relatives.
How did the video affect Daniel Knott’s family?
The video of Daniel Knott’s body being shared online amplified the grief for his mother and the rest of his family. Jenny Tancock said that she felt “anger, pure anger, disbelief that somebody could be so vile as to arrive at a scene like that and actually video it” [according to BBC News]. She also said that she had not watched the video herself, but knowing that others had seen it caused her huge distress. She said that she should have been grieving for Daniel, instead of dealing with something so vile.
What happened to Jacob Morse?
Jacob Morse pleaded guilty to circulating the video online and was sentenced to six weeks in prison at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on 18 May 2023. Jenny Tancock said that she had mixed feelings about his sentence. She said that she felt sorry for him as a mother, but also thought that six weeks was not enough for what he had done. She also said that she hoped that his prison sentence would send a message to others that sharing such videos on social media was not acceptable.
What were the challenges faced by Daniel Knott?
Jenny Tancock revealed that Daniel Knott had faced many challenges in his life. Seven years ago, he had a severe car accident that fractured his skull and broke his back. He underwent surgeries to have metal rods inserted in his body to stabilize his back. After that, he lost his house, broke up with his girlfriend, and lost his job. He also struggled with depression and anxiety. Jenny Tancock said that she tried to help him as much as she could, but he did not want to burden her with his problems.
How can we prevent such tragedies?
The tragic story of Daniel Knott highlights the need for more awareness and support for mental health issues and suicide prevention. It also shows the importance of respecting the dignity and privacy of those who have died by suicide and their families. Sharing videos or images of their bodies on social media is not only illegal, but also cruel and insensitive. It can cause further harm and trauma to those who are already suffering from a devastating loss.
If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal or needs help, please contact one of the following helplines:
– Samaritans: 116 123 (UK and Ireland)
– Lifeline: 13 11 14 (Australia)
– National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (USA)
