by CLARE KITCHEN, Daily Mail
Controversial singer Eminem has been criticised by a coroner who heard how a teenage fan threw himself in front of a train after listening to his music.
In his suicide note, David Hurcombe included a computer print-out with lyrics from one of the U.S. rap star's songs.
The 17-year-old, who had been teased about his sexual orientation in the days leading up to his death, had written under the words to Rock Bottom: 'Anyway, got to go, miss my train. See y'all in hell.'
South Devon coroner Hamish Turner described the song as 'rather depressing', adding: 'I don't like the tone of the music they listen to.' David's mother Lynn nodded in approval as he criticised Eminem, who has become a worldwide success with his songs of hate and violence.
The inquest at Teignmouth had heard how David, who lived in the town, ran in front of a train on September 9 as it emerged from a tunnel in nearby Holcombe.
The train driver, Roger Smith, had blown his horn as the train entered the tunnel. 'He ran down from the side of the track,' said Mr Smith. 'He leapt in front of me. I should say he intended to do it.'
David, who studied at South Devon College, suffered massive multiple injuries and had to be identified by his dental records.
A long-standing friend, Michael Carroll, said in a statement: 'David was usually a very happy person. He was inquisitive and interested in the meaning of life.' But Mr Carroll said that when he hosted a party in September, a male guest made a comment about fancying David.
He had initially laughed it off, but over the next eight days up to his death, he kept asking whether the comment was serious.
'He kept referring to whether we all thought he was homosexual,' Mr Carroll said. 'None of our group of friends thought he was. We all got a bit fed up because he kept asking.'
David's mother confirmed the comment had been preying on her son's mind, adding that he had been 'a happy, sensitive, caring young man who enjoyed his life'.
She said David had told his younger brother Jo that he was upset, but promised him he would not do anything to hurt himself.
Recording a verdict of suicide, Mr Turner said: 'It seems quite clear from his note and the rather depressing music and words that he was somewhat depressed.
'He appears to have been unusually worried about an allegation over his sexual orientation which really should not affect people a great deal either way.'
After the inquest, on Monday, Mr Turner added he was concerned about the number of references to death in Eminem's lyrics.
'It struck me as pretty miserable stuff,' he said. 'I think the references to death are a bit off. 'He was obviously a bit affected by this. It's difficult to say what effect it had on him but I think it is depressing for any youngster.'
The lyrics David printed out from Rock Bottom include the lines: 'Cause when we die we know we're all going the same way. It's cool to be a player, but it sucks to be a fan.'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/ar ... icide.html