A FATHER-of-nine took his own life after 20 years on mental heath struggles, an inquest has heard. 

Dean Turner, of Fingringhoe, Colchester, was found dead in his work van in August. 

An inquest into his death took place on Thursday where the court heard Mr Turner had a history of mental health issues and cocaine abuse.

Area coroner for Essex Michelle Brown said the cause of death was hanging. 

Ms Brown said Mr Turner, 48, had mental health issues and had tried to end his life a month earlier. 

On August 22 at 8.25am, a member of the public who was walking their dog discovered Mr Turner in his work van, and the individual then returned home to dial 999.

Mr Turner had sadly died by the time police and paramedics arrived at the scene, and a member of his family confirmed his identification to the police.

Ms Brown said: “Police noted he was fully clothed in his work uniform.

“He had used cocaine the previous night and may have been drinking.

“He had tried to take his own life through an overdose and, four weeks prior, had tried to hang himself.”

According to a toxicology report, there was evidence of recent cocaine use, but there had not been enough alcohol consumed for it to be attributed as a cause of death.

Ms Brown continued: “Mr Turner had been struggling since his dad died 20 years ago, was known to mental health services in Kent from 2020, and had a lifestyle prior to that which was conducive to drugs.

“A GP summary gives an idea of his mental health and any medication he had taken.”

Following the opening of the inquest in August, when Ms Brown gave a provisional cause of death as hanging and cocaine use.

Ms Brown said: “I firmly conclude that Dean Turner died on August 22 in Fingringhoe Lane, Colchester, and my conclusion is one of suicide.”