A philosophical 14 year-old boy who died when he hanged himself from his bunk-bed had been exploring the meaning of life and death.

Rupert Marson, from Boundary Road in St Albans, was found dead on the morning of Sunday June 8 this year by his father Richard.

But coroner Edward Thomas ruled at Rupert's inquest today that the death was not a suicide, but an accident.

He said he was confident that Rupert had not intended to die and added that at only 14 years old Rupert was not mature enough to fully realise what his actions would lead to.

Rupert, who was affected by the futility of war and other world matters, spent the night before hid death in his bedroom playing on his computer and guitar.

But his father described him as 'down' and the next morning, when his body was discovered, police found lyrics written by Rupert exploring the meaning of life and death.

Mr Thomas said: "He was at an age where he was discovering things about the world and some world matters affected him.

"He was exploring the meaning of life and death as young people do sometimes.

"But that is not the same as showing that you really want to die.

"If someone had said to him 'you won't be going camping or playing rugby or be able to start acting - is that what you really want?' It would not have been.

"There were no notes or expression of really wanting to die which is why this is not a suicide but an accident because this death was unwanted."

Rupert was described as a 'remarkably talented' boy with a lot of friends in a family statement read out during the inquest.

After the inquest parents Richard and Mandy said: "Rupert had a short life but not a small one.

"The impact that he made on those who knew and loved him will never be forgotten and despite our crushing sadness at his loss, we are grateful for the gift of such a wonderful son."

Mr Thomas also attacked the national press during the inquest for falsely reporting that Rupert had been teased and bullied at school and 'compounding the family's and friend's grief'.