A family has been left devastated following the death of 27-year old father-of-one Jack Taggert. Just days before he was due to turn 28 in January, Jack, who was engaged and planning his wedding tragically took his own life.
Described by his family as someone who was 'loved by so many', Jack kissed his fiancée Shannon goodbye that day before leaving for work as normal, but never returned home, reports LeedsLive. And after filing a missing persons report, Shannon was later given the terrible news by police that Jack's car had been found in Cornwall, but he had passed away, reports Teesside Live.
Jack leaves behind an eight-year old son. A member of the family said: "Overnight, Shannon's house went from a loving home of three to a lonely one. He left for work normally, kissed Shannon on the head and didn't come home. Shannon reported him missing when she noticed he wasn't back considerably later than usual, and they traced his car going down to Cornwall. The following morning the police came to Shannon to let her know that Jack had been found."
His family added: "Jack was loved by so many and has left an empty space in hearts and lives that will never be filled. Jack was a son, brother, father and immensely loved by everyone and that everyone is feeling a horrendous pain since his passing."
Best friend Simon Swinbourne shared an emotional tribute on social media, meanwhile, writing: "Jack, my best friend. It's been just under 15 and a half years since September 2007, when we both sat next to each other in Year 8 French and now as I write this I think back on all the times we shared. The trip to Belgium where we played Enter Shikari on repeat on the coach for three days, drawing pentagrams on the walls of the music rooms in black tape, playing This Calling & Snuff a lot, and throwing sweets around our IT lessons.
"You were there when I needed you over the years. My only wish is that I could be there for you to return the favour when you needed it. If you asked me if I could go back and do it all over again, I'd already be sat at the back of that French classroom before you'd have chance to finish the question. To you Jack Taggart, my best friend."
Family friend Scarlett Miller added that as well as dealing with her tragic loss, Shannon now faces the prospect of losing her home too. Scarlett said: "If this story couldn’t be any more heartbreaking, our lovely friend Shannon is now left with decisions and a situation that no one ever deserves. Due to archaic inheritance laws and policy systems that are long overdue a revision, Shannon is going to have to sell the home that her and Jack bought together.
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"Jack was the main provider and because they were engaged and not married, Jack did not leave a will, so Shannon has no rights by law. She cannot claim on any form of insurance and isn't entitled to anything. She has been made to feel like a stranger to her own fiancé." A Go Fund Me page has been set up to fundraise £10,000 to help save Shannon's home she shares with her step son."
Family and friends hope the fundraiser will help Shannon save her home, "build her life despite this devastating turn of events", and raise suicide awareness. Scarlett added: "We want to advocate that people speak out when they're in need, so that no one has to face the sheer amount of loss as Shannon is at the moment."
Mental Health support and services
Helplines and support groups
The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
- Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text HOPE to 85258 to find relevant services near you.
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