A man who found his 27-year-old brother dead at home has shared his mission to ensure his brother leaves a positive legacy by helping people better understand mental health and encouraging men in particular to seek help. James Dean, from Bettws in Newport, died on January 17 at his brother’s home at Ellesmere Port near Liverpool where he was staying.
James’ brother Michael Dean said his brother is believed to have taken his own life after years of struggling with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder but wants him to be remembered for the community-minded “amazing guy” that he was. “James was a little Del Boy – he’d offer to help anyone and he’d turn his hand to anything. He was a throwback a bit like that – someone everyone knew in his community and who just wanted to do his best and be thought of fondly,” Michael, one of James’ four siblings, recalled of his younger brother and “terrific uncle” to his five-year-old daughter.
“He worked in various nightclubs and bars in Newport, including Atlantica Bar and Bettws Social Club, where he became a popular local guy. He also worked repairing windows and doors for a bit – he was just one of those, did a bit of everything and tried to turn his hand to anything.
