Original article no longer available
Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News
Feb 26 2009
by Oliver Clay, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News
A MAN hanged himself at a Runcorn nursery after his relationship ended, Warrington Coroner’s court heard.
Thomas Whittington, 29, of Kingsheath Avenue, Liverpool, had been painting and decorating at Heathside Nursery, Heath Road South, when colleagues noticed he was missing at about 10am on Saturday, August 23, 2008. They said he had seemed somewhat “preoccupied” and failed to find him during a brief search.
His body was found at 2pm when David Taylor, an electrician, heard Mr Whittington’s mobile phone ringing in nearby bushes.
Paramedics confirmed his death.
Mr Whittington had previously overdosed in May 2008 and was prescribed anti-depressants but did not take the counselling offered.
Nicknamed “Tosh”, relatives said he did not talk about his problems.
Text messages sent on the morning of his death showed he was devastated by the break-up of his relationship.
Verdict: suicide.