Firsdown father died in his home after mental health 'struggle'

Nigel Jeffreson, 60, was found dead in his home on Illington Avenue, Firsdown, by his wife Karen on June 30, 2023.

An inquest at Wiltshire and Swindon Coroner's Court on Tuesday, December 5, heard how the Army veteran had been diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder in 1998 which was ruled a contributing factor to his death.

Mr Jeffreson had gone through periods of low mood following trips abroad and had been receiving support from the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership before his death.

The inquest heard how care coordinator Brian Mashumba told Mrs Jeffreson that her husband needed "tough love" to push through small goals every day.

The inquest was heard at Wiltshire and Swindon Coroner's Court. (Image: Newsquest)

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On the morning of the day Mr Jeffreson died, his wife had called the partnership before going to work to raise concerns about her husband's well-being as he had been "in a very low mood".

Mental health nurse Annette Sheppard, from the Sarum Mental Health Team, received the call shortly after 9am and said she would call Mr Jeffreson to check on him. At 10.12am Miss Sheppard called Mr Jeffreson but he did not answer.

Mrs Jeffreson tried calling her husband on her way home from work and there was still no answer. She found him on the downstairs landing and police pronounced Mr Jeffreson dead at 1.34pm.

Senior coroner David Ridley concluded the cause of death as suicide by hanging with bipolar affective disorder being a contributing factor.

Mr Ridley said: "He has said consistently he did not have the strength to go through with it [suicide]. Sadly on the 30th he did.

"Nigel had been struggling with his mental health and this more likely than not influenced his actions.

"I would like to offer my sincere condolences for the loss of your husband and your dad and also to other family members for your untimely loss."