A grieving dad took his own life after both of his parents died just three months apart, an inquest heard.
Jason Lee Barber, who had a history of depression, was unable to visit his parents in Australia due to Covid lockdown rules. His dad John passed away in June 2021 while his mum Susan died suddenly just three months later from a brain aneurism.
Bolton Coroner's Court heard Jason, 51, was found dead in a Sydney park on February 27, close to where his parents lived. He had travelled to Australia to speak to his siblings about their parents' estate and gave no indication of his intentions that day.
His daughter Jodi Eastham tried to message him at 10.15pm (English time) on February 26 but got no response until 3am, when she was informed her father’s body was found in Heffron Park, Bolton Coroner’s Court was told.
“In June 2021, his dad died in Australia,” Jodi said in a statement. “He had been suffering from mental health issues for some time and due to Covid, he couldn’t get out there.
“In September 2021, his mother died from a brain aneurysm. This really did affect his mental health. As soon as he could, he arranged to go out there. On the 25th he managed to fly out to Australia.”
Police officer Daniel Kent said Jason, who lived in Salford, was found dead around 11pm on the evening of February 26. His body was repatriated to England on March 24.
Dr Paul Rettie, Jason’s GP, said that he had a history of depression and was being treated for a depressive disorder which he was seeking help with from the Greater Manchester's community mental health team. He said Jason had concerns about being unable to fly out to Australia.
The former social worker, of Montonfields Road, Eccles, twice previously tried to take his own life. The first was in September 2021, shortly after his mother died. The second, two months later, was due to worries over his Personal Independence Payment (PIP) application, the inquest heard.
Senior Coroner Timothy Brennand said: “In this case it is that he was intending to bring his life to an end. This was by far, as he was concerned, the end of the road for him as an individual.”
Mr Brennand believed his grief and his concerns about his family's dealings surrounding his parent’s estate led Jason to this decision to end his own life. He returned a conclusion of suicide.
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