Lexi Daken: Guidance Counsellor Testifies in Coroner’s Inquest into Teen’s Death

Trigger Warning: This article contains references to suicide.

July 5, 2023

The second day of the coroner’s inquest into the tragic death of Lexi Daken, a 16-year-old teenager from New Brunswick, shed light on the events leading up to her suicide. The jury heard emotional testimony from Shelley Hanson, the guidance counselor who accompanied Lexi to the emergency room on the evening she sought help.

A Troubled Teenager Struggles in Silence

Lexi Daken’s journey with mental health issues began to surface during her counseling sessions with Shelley Hanson, which started on December 2, 2020. Hanson revealed that Lexi was a bright student, but she had concerns about the time she had missed due to a previous suicide attempt in November. Lexi confided in Hanson, admitting that thoughts of dying plagued her every hour of every day, serving as a clear indication of her distress.

As Lexi’s relationship with her counselor grew, she started discussing her disordered eating habits in detail during a session in January. Hanson made herself available to Lexi outside of their counseling sessions, allowing Lexi to text or drop by her office whenever she needed support.

Desperate Cry for Help Goes Unanswered at the Hospital

On February 18, Lexi’s mental state took a turn for the worse. Visiting Hanson’s office once again, she revealed that she had spiraled further and was unable to sleep, overwhelmed by constant negative thoughts. Lexi even confessed that she had devised a plan to take her own life.

Concerned for Lexi’s safety, Hanson suggested going to the hospital. After receiving confirmation from their vice principal and Lexi’s father, they arrived at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital at approximately 12:30 p.m.

Hanson immediately expressed her concerns to the triage nurse, emphasizing that Lexi appeared cheerful on the outside but was severely depressed. However, despite the gravity of the situation, Lexi and Hanson were made to wait in the hospital waiting room for an agonizing seven hours.

During this excruciating wait, Lexi disclosed to Hanson that she was experiencing hallucinations and hearing and seeing things that weren’t there. Chris Daken, Lexi’s father, arrived at the hospital but due to COVID-19 protocols, only one person could stay. Hanson opted to remain with Lexi.

Missed Opportunities and Heartbreaking Decisions

Finally, at around 7:30 or 8 p.m., Lexi and Hanson were taken into a room to see a doctor. Hanson wasted no time in highlighting Lexi’s suicidal thoughts, disordered eating, and hallucinations to the physician. Lexi’s blood work was taken, and shortly after, the doctor returned to inform her that the results were normal.

However, instead of providing the necessary psychiatric intervention, the doctor told Lexi that unless she could assure them of her safety, they would be forced to call in a psychiatrist. This statement deeply unsettled both Lexi and Hanson. Despite Hanson’s repeated pleas for psychiatric evaluation, the doctor insisted that Lexi could seek outpatient assistance.

Reluctantly, Lexi agreed to accept a referral but exhibited visible signs of distress. The doctor handed Lexi a number for the mental health crisis service and assured her that a consult would be arranged. Lexi and Hanson left the hospital between 9 and 10 p.m.

Outside in the parking lot, Hanson asked Lexi once more if she was sure about not going back inside. Deeply concerned, Hanson sensed that Lexi was not in the right state of mind. However, Lexi decided to return home with her father that evening.

Heartbreaking Outcome and Lessons Learned

The following Wednesday morning, Piper, Lexi’s older sister, called Hanson to reveal that Lexi had attempted to take her own life. Devastated, Hanson rushed to the family home to support Lexi’s siblings.

Janet Matheson, a retired nurse with 46 years of experience, testified next. She had triaged Lexi on February 18 and recalled Lexi expressing her desire to end her own life. Matheson assessed Lexi as a level three, believing that she was not in immediate danger and could wait in the hospital’s waiting room.

Reflecting on Lexi’s tragic death, Matheson acknowledged that changes had been implemented within the hospital’s emergency department to better serve individuals in mental distress. One notable change was the creation of a separate waiting room for those seeking mental health support.

Seeking Help and Support

If you or someone you know is currently in crisis, there are resources available in Canada to provide assistance:

• Canada Suicide Prevention Helpline: 1-833-456-4566
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: 1-800-463-2338
• Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (text 45645)
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868

If immediate assistance is required, please call 911 or visit the nearest hospital.