A "POPULAR and well regarded" former rifleman was found dead in his home aged 23, an inquest heard.

Daniel Giffen, who died on December 6 last year, had been a member of the 1st Battalion The Rifles, involved with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

After being discharged from the Army in March 2020, he moved to veteran hub Erskine House in Wilton for independence.

Salisbury Coroner's Court heard that Daniel had been discharged, after five years of service, as he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and non-epileptic attack disorder.

The inquest, held on November 4, later revealed that Daniel was found dead in his flat by family and emergency services.

Area coroner Ian Singleton told the inquest that Daniel had "felt lost since he left [the Army]" and “without purpose”, resulting in the move to Wilton.

Despite engaging with treatment and antidepressants, Daniel continued to struggle with his mental health and suffered from seizures.

This was also expressed by his father Simon, who, in a statement read out during the hearing, said they "always had a close relationship", but his recovery had been met "with barriers".

Daniel could not cope with the effects of PTSD, the inquest heard.

Mr Singleton concluded death by suicide.

In a tribute to Daniel, who previously lived in Worcester, the Rifles Regiment said: “The loss of life, in any circumstances, is tragic and keenly felt, particularly by a close-knit family regiment such as The Rifles.

"The whole Regiment is deeply saddened by the loss of Rifleman Daniel Giffen, who was a popular and well regarded member of the 1st Battalion The Rifles.

"As an organisation we want to support our serving and veteran Riflemen and are always willing to go the extra mile to help them where we can.”

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For more information and guidance about mental health and suicide visit samaritans.org. 

If you are struggling you can call the Samaritans for free, any time day or night, on 116 123.

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