17-year-old Mani Singh Dulay of King Edward VI Five Ways School was said to have the world at his feet
Mr Dulay explains the harrowing experience: “We are all devastated that he is gone and words cannot describe how we feel.
“Mani was a happy-go-lucky kid, very, very intelligent and loved by his family and his friends.
“We don’t know what could have possibly caused this.
“He always seemed happy and there were no pressures at home or from school that I can think of.”
The teenager was set to go on to study for a Computer Science and Maths degree at University College London.
Mr Dulay, aged 48, said: “He left for school in the morning as normal, saying goodbye to his sister and leaving as he always did.
“It’s a complete mystery to us.
“The only thing I can think of is something we have been told about a chemical imbalance in the brain that mostly affects 16 and 17-year-old Asian boys.
“That is our only lead; otherwise he was a very bright and happy boy.
“He had been accepted already to university and didn’t have any pressures from school or from home – he always knew in what direction he was going.
“He started off wanting to do an apprenticeship and then decided university was the way to go to achieve his goals.
“He wanted to get into the field of computing and mathematics.”
Mani, who lived with his family in Smethwick was confirmed dead at the scene and an inquest has been opened and adjourned.
The cause of death was said to be asphyxia due to hanging.
Doting father Bali paid tribute to his late son, stating: “I know he was very popular at school and he had no problems getting along with people.
“Everyone loved him when they met him.”
“We know we will one day see him again.”
Head of King Edward VI Five Ways Yvonne Wilkinson said: “Mani was the nicest, brightest and kindest boy.
“He had a close circle of friends whose support he enjoyed and who cared for him.
“Mani worked hard and achieved excellent success in his GCSE’s and in his study of A Levels.
“He was well placed to take up his offers from leading universities.”
