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Daniel Underwood, 32, took his life at Coombe Valley Road flat in Dover

08:05, 14 May 2019

updated: 08:10, 14 May 2019

A man who took his own life was found at home after his neighbour climbed a balcony to check on him.

The body of Daniel Underwood, 32, was found at his Dover home on Friday, February 22, at about 7pm.

Concerned for his welfare, his wife Leanne Underwood, whom he was separated from, had called at his Coombe Valley Road flat and saw his body through the letterbox.

The inquest was held at Archbishop's Palace, Maidstone
The inquest was held at Archbishop's Palace, Maidstone

Mrs Underwood called on the assistance of neighbours to gain entry to the flat and one climbed onto a balcony at the rear of the property and entered through the balcony doors.

An inquest, held at Archbishop's Palace on Monday, found Mr Underwood died as a result of hanging.

At the hour-long hearing it was heard Mr Underwood was had sought treatment for depression.

He had been prescribed medication by his GP and had a counselling session the day before he died.

The night before he was found dead he saw a friend but had driven home in the early hours of the morning.

But Mrs Underwood grew concerned for her husband's welfare on the 22nd when he did not reply to her messages or answer her calls, which led to her attending his flat.

It was heard at the inquest Mr Underwood had struggled with his mental health for some time.

A toxicology report, also given in evidence, found he had low levels of drugs in his system, including his depression medication, a painkiller and cocaine, as well as low levels of alcohol.

Sonia Hayes, assistant coroner for east Kent gave a verdict of suicide.

She said: "Sometime after 3.30am on February 22 I find that Daniel hanged himself at home, with the intent to end his life having sought assistance and treatment for his depression that had been troubling him for some time."

She offered her sincere condolences to his family, who attended the hearing.

Read more: All the latest news from Dover

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