Teenager's death 'was no copycat'

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The family of a teenage girl found hanged say they do not believe she was copying her cousin, who died in the same way three months earlier.

Lucie Manley, 14, who lived with her mother in Manchester, was found dead at her father's house in Aberavon, Port Talbot, south Wales, last Tuesday.

Her parents say they are convinced her death was a "tragic accident," and may have been a "cry for help".

Her parents Paul and Sharon said she was very close to her cousin Leanne.

This might have been a cry for help but we do not believe she intended to take her own life Paul and Sharon Manley

In a statement, Lucie's parents said their daughter had spent time with her cousin and her baby when she visited south Wales during the school holidays.

"But we are convinced that this was not a copycat and that this was a tragic accident," they said.

Mr and Mrs Manley said they did not believe her death was premeditated, as Lucie had planned to see her grandmother and her cousin's baby the following day.

"On the day, everything was normal. She went shopping in the morning to buy clothes and she had a meal with her family in the evening before she went upstairs.

"This might have been a cry for help but we do not believe she intended to take her own life. She may have been curious and didn't realise the consequences of what she was doing," they added.

'Never any trouble'

Her parents described her as a "happy-go-lucky, normal teenager".

"She was never any trouble at all - her smile lit up her face," they said.

""She loved children and animals just like any other teenage girl. She was looking forward to starting school and she talked about going to college and what she wanted to do as a job.

"Lucie used to talk to the family about everything and she always told us how much she loved us. That night she was having a laugh and joke with her family."

Friends and schoolmates have placed flowers, teddies and a book of remembrance at her home in Manchester, her parents said. Many are expected in Port Talbot for her funeral, which will be held in private.

Lucie had two brothers, Lee, 19, Aaron, 16, and a six-year-old step-brother Colton. Her family said she was very close to her grandparents John and Mary, and Lydia and Lyn.

Mr and Mrs Manley also discounted reports Lucie had fallen out with her mother, saying the pair were in daily contact up to her death.

They added: "We would like to thank everyone for their support. People in the area have been really supportive.

"We would also like to thank the A&E department at Morriston Hospital and the police officers who attended at the house that night."