A teenager died of neck and head injuries when she fell into the sea after drinking with friends, an inquest has heard. 

Freya Caley, 16, from Easington, near Loftus, was found on Saltburn Beach on June 4 last year.

An inquest into the teenager's death took place today (Tuesday, April 9) at Teesside Coroner's Court - which saw assistant coroner for Teesside and Hartlepool, Karin Welsh, record a narrative conclusion. 

The Coroner's Court heard that Freya had been to school on the day of her death and had agreed to meet with some friends after school. 

Darlington and Stockton Times: Freya CaleyFreya Caley (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)

When her family went to pick the 16-year-old up after seeing her friends, she wasn't there and her family alerted the police.

According to witnesses, Freya had been seen on the cliffs over Saltburn before her death. A toxicology report taken at her post-mortem examination had shown that the teenager had an alcohol level of three-and-a-half times the drink-drive limit at the time of her death. 

Assistant Coroner Welsh told the court that there was no specific evidence suggesting that Freya wanted to end her own life before the fall. 

It was also noted that there were no concerns regarding the response times from the emergency services.

Concluding the inquest, Assistant Coroner Welsh recorded a narrative inquest, telling her family present: "While the alcohol impacted the thought process and her physically, you also can't assume it was an accident either. 

"A narrative conclusion is appropriate. She died of a fall from height and other circumstances surrounding her death can't be established either way."

Speaking directly to the family, Assistant Coroner Welsh said: "I can't begin to imagine the pain of what you're feeling - hopefully this decision today means you can begin to heal."

Freya's family did not wish to speak after the inquest, but had previously spoken of their loss via a tribute issued through Cleveland Police.

The tribute read: “We are truly devastated to announce the passing of our beautiful daughter Freya “Boo”.

“It is not possible to describe the pain and loss that we as a family feel. We take so much comfort in knowing how loved Freya was by so many.

“We will never overcome the loss of our treasured child but we will strive to carry her memory forward and celebrate Freya as life continues for us.

“We love and miss you Boo but we know you are always with us in our hearts, we will never truly lose you."