Telford coroner Michael Gwynne has expressed concern about the growing number of local young men committing suicide, often because of the break-up of relationships.
“I am becoming more and more concerned at the actions of young men, who seem not to be able to cope with relationships,” the coroner said, urging people to seek help..
“Suicide has become a scourge and I really don’t know why it seems to have happened here.
“The only common denominator in these cases seems to be that these men had difficulty in their relationships.”
Mr Gwynne was speaking at an inquest on Christopher Pearson, 23, from Hadley, who hanged himself on May 16 in his bedroom at home.
The retail assistant manager had just split up with his 21 year old girlfriend, the inquest heard.
Recording a verdict of suicide, Mr Gwynne said: “I believe the last text Mr Pearson sent at about 10pm was the same as a suicide note. Mr Pearson was not an unintelligent man and he must have been aware that if he was going to hang himself, he was going to die as a result.”
Immediately before the case, Mr Gwynne had opened an inquest on a Telford man in his 20s, who was found hanged after a row with his girlfriend.
Earlier this year, the coroner recorded a verdict of suicide on 15-year-old father-to-be Mark Pugh, from Hadley, who was also found hanged.
l Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin mental health helpline is 08001 951700. Samaritans are on 08457 909090.
