Strood father who hanged himself had 'heart of gold', says family
06:00, 24 June 2020
updated: 07:41, 24 June 2020
The family of a loving father "with a heart of gold" have paid tribute to him after his death.
Andrew Stuart, of St Albans Road, Strood, was found dead at his home on Friday, March 27.
An inquest at Maidstone's Archbishop's Palace last week heard how the welder took his own life after struggling with his mental health and worries about the coronavirus pandemic and being furloughed.
The 33-year-old leaves behind both parents, his three sisters and brother, as well as his two young children Oliver and Ruby.
His family have said they are devastated by the loss of their "cheeky brother and devoted son".
Sister Emma Stuart said: "We are all devastated by what has happened. Andrew had a heart of gold. He was a loving father, a loyal friend, a cheeky brother and a devoted son.
"He was very much loved by all of his friends and family and will be deeply missed by all who knew him."
Assistant coroner James Dillon explained how the family rushed to his house after receiving concerning messages from him but could not get in, so dialled 999.
Police and the ambulance service arrived at about 5.30am and had to break the door down to gain entry. They found his body inside.
A post mortem confirmed the father-of-two's cause of death was by hanging.
The court heard how the welder had lived with mental health problems for most of his life, which he struggled to talk about, and had visited his GP in November when he was diagnosed with anxiety and depression and given anti-depressants.
Evidence from his sister Emma revealed Mr Stuart's financial concerns about recently being furloughed and the impact coronavirus would have on work, which was "playing on his mind".
"I would have done anything for my son..."
She added how his two children, Oliver and Ruby, were "his world" and that "a lot of people liked him, he was so social".
Witness detective sergeant Naomi Moore told the court how on the day before Mr Stuarts death the ambulance service was called by his housemate due to concerns for his welfare.
However, on arrival there was no worry for his safety and they left.
Mr Stuart's father, also named Andrew Stuart, spoke briefly during the hearing after a piece of evidence read by the coroner suggested he and his son didn't have a good bond.
He said: "I would have done anything for my son. I loved him and I believe he loved me."
Concluding the inquest, assistant coroner James Dillon, ruled the young father's death as suicide.
He said: "I thank you all for coming and joining the inquest. From all of us here we offer our condolences for the loss of Andrew."
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