Teenager took his own life after ‘losing hope over climate change’
A 19-year-old Greenpeace activist took his own life after “losing hope” over the future of the environment, his family have said.
Theo Khelfoune Ferreras, a film student from Walthamstow, north London, was found dead in Brighton's Wild Park on March 29.
His sister, Lisa Khelfoune, 18, revealed that Theo, who worked as a fundraiser for Greenpeace, grew increasingly despondent about his efforts to tackle climate change.
His is thought to be one of the first deaths linked by loved ones to concern over climate change.
The worsening climate crisis combined with the Covid-19 pandemic and the pressures of being a university student left him feeling anxious, his sister said.
“He wanted to contribute to a change in society and tried to live according to his values,” she told the Brighton Argus.
“He wore mainly second-hand clothes, rode his bike everywhere, he walked frequently in forests and natural reserves.
“I think he had a complete feeling of helplessness. Theo felt like what he was doing was futile and he lost hope in the future and this devastatingly affected his mental health.”
Will McCallum, co-executive director of Greenpeace UK, paid tribute to the tri-lingual activist, saying: “We were shocked and saddened to hear of Theo’s passing. Our hearts go out to their family and friends at this difficult time.”
A fundraiser for an eco burial in Epping Forest has been set up by Lisa, with donations reaching nearly £10,000 as of Friday afternoon.
Lisa added: “I took the initiative of creating a fundraiser in order to hopefully ease the pain of this tragic loss on my parents. It has been a welcome distraction but also a mind-blowing display of human compassion and support from family, friends and even strangers.”
