A dad who was "deeply cared for and cared deeply about other people" died after a long mental health battle, an inquest has heard. Joshua Richardson was found dead at his home in Bolton in June this year despite 'seeming fine' in the lead up to his death.
Joshua, who was originally from Bury, worked as a barber and was a fit and healthy man who enjoyed rambling in the Lake District, Bolton Coroners' Court heard. The 29-year-old had been struggling with mental health issues for around eight years, had been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and had recently split with a long-term girlfriend.
His family believe he may have been out on June 2 to see a friend but his mum Susan Richardson, who he lived with at the time, told the court she did not know if or when he had come home that night. She told coroner Professor John Pollard that she had heard a 'thump' in the early hours of June 3 but did not think this was unusual.
Later that day she ran some errands and when she came home she was still not sure of Joshua's whereabouts. Just before midday she checked his room where she tragically found him dead.
GP Dr Chittaranjan Hallikeri told the court that Joshua had changed his antidepressants in the weeks before his death. He had reported feeling well and seemed find in that time.
A police investigation concluded from the evidence found at the scene and from family that Joshua had a long history of mental health problems and had most likely committed suicide. Julie Evans, a toxicologist, said that there was "no compelling evidence" that any drugs or alcohol played any part in his death.
Prof Pollard reached the conclusion of suicide after reading all the evidence. He said: "He had been depressed and down for a number of years but had become very distressed due to the breakdown of his relationship." Prof Pollard added that he may have felt he was in a "desperate situation," saying: "He was deeply cared for and cared deeply about other people, and that may have been part of his downfall."
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