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Worksop Guardian
March 18, 2014
Family members have paid tribute to a former soldier from Clowne who took his own life with a drug overdose last summer.
Relatives and friends of David Read gathered at Chesterfield Coroner’s Court this morning (Tuesday 18th March) to hear conclusions in the inquest into his death.
The 42-year-old ex-Grenadier Guardsman was found dead at his home on 17th August 2013.
Worried friends had called the police after Mr Read failed to answer their text messages, the inquest heard.
In desperation they broke into his property, at Rhodes Cottages, and found him dead in the bedroom.
Police who attended the scene shortly afterwards found several empty packs of tablets nearby and evidence that Mr Read had taken a large overdose, thought to be around 200 tablets.
They also found a lengthy suicide note, placed in a prominent position, which explained his tragic decision.
“The house was secure – locked from the inside,” PC Andrew Newton told the court.
“We found a letter in the lounge on the ironing board. It was handwritten by him.”
“It started by thanking people that had helped him and it went on to say he’d had troubles through his life. His health was a factor and certain other things had happened that had upset him.”
“It was a clear ‘good bye’ letter really. It was clear that he wanted to take his life.”
Toxicology reports on Mr Read’s body showed he had taken a ‘substantial overdose’ of antidepressant Venlaflaxine, which he was prescribed.
Derbyshire assistant coroner Louise Pinder concluded that Mr Read had taken his own life and that the cause of death was Venlaflaxine overdose and toxicity.
Mr Read’s father, David, spoke on behalf of the family after the hearing. He said: “We have lost a wonderful son who will never be replaced.”
At the time of his death, Mr Read was described as ‘very much a family man’, who loved club music, Sheffield United, amateur boxing, camping holidays and his pet dog Foxy.
He had lived in Clowne for 15 years, serving in the Grenadier Guards and later working for Robinsons, Chesterfield, before retiring through ill health nine years ago. He was also a member of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes.