Michael Moore, from Hythe, is killed after being hit by lorry on M20
06:00, 18 December 2019
updated: 09:47, 18 December 2019
A man was killed after stepping out in front of a lorry on the M20, an inquest heard.
Dad-of-three Michael Moore, 72, was struck by the vehicle on Thursday, September 26 at around 7.30am.
An inquest looking into his death, held at the Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone yesterday, found he took his own life.
A statement from the lorry driver, who was en-route to France when he hit Mr Moore, was read to the court.
It revealed he saw Mr Moore step out from behind a concrete pillar from the bridge between junctions 11a and 12 of the busy motorway, near the slip road for the Channel Tunnel.
The driver, who was travelling at 56mph, attempted to brake but could not stop in time.
A police investigation found no offences had occurred.
The incident was witnessed by several other drivers and an off duty police officer was one of the first on the scene, and administered CPR.
But Mr Moore, of Black House Hill in Hythe, could not be saved.
The collision caused long delays on the motorway, as police carried out inquiries.
Mr Moore had various personal items on him, including his bus pass which included photo ID, an umbrella and telephone numbers for his wife and daughter.
It was heard during the inquest that Mr Moore had first been seen by a doctor for anxiety and depression in 2004, around the same time he retired from his job as a postman.
He had been under the care of several mental health teams this year following a suicide attempt in March in which he self harmed.
Mr Moore, whose hobbies included visiting boot fairs, being in the garden and going for walks, was also on anti-depressants.
He was described as having low moods, being tearful and having trouble sleeping.
The night before he died he told his wife he might go for a walk in the morning, something he often did and enjoyed.
He left the house at around 6am.
He was pronounced dead at 8am.
Assistant coroner Joanne Andrews gave a verdict of suicide and cause of death as multiple injuries.
The hearing was attended by his wife of 33 years, Somjai Moore and two of his three children.
It was heard that he met his wife in 1986 while on holiday in Thailand and they had a happy marriage and were a close family.
At the end of the inquest, Mrs Moore said her husband is at "peace now" and "not in pain anymore".
For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time.
