THE family of a former Oxford GP found dead in the River Thames fear he took his
own life.
The body of Dr Richard Barnett, 70, was found off Wharf Road, Shillingford
on Friday.
His family said the former Manor Surgery, Headington GP left his home in Baldon Lane, Marsh Baldon, on
January 24.
A statement released yesterday said they feared he had taken his own life after suffering from clinical depression since October.
It said: “He leaves behind his wife, Mrs Lucy Barnett, three children and three grandchildren whom he loved deeply.
“His family and friends are all devastated by his loss.”
They added that he was “a greatly respected and caring retired local GP” and a keen runner who enjoyed performing plays and
pantomimes.
Among his roles was as an ugly sister in Nuneham Courtenay’s first village pantomime Cinderella in 2001.
He also sang in Benson Choir and Dorchester Abbey Choir.
Rector of Dorchester Abbey Sue Booys said: “He was greatly respected by the other members of Dorchester Abbey Choir.
“We were very sad to learn of the family’s loss.”
Dr Barnett helped out twice a week at a day care centre for elderly residents in Berinsfield, his family said.
He also took part in Oxford’s annual Town and Gown 10k run for Muscular
Dystrophy.
In 2009 he crossed the finish line of the OX5 Run at Woodstock’s Blenheim Palace for the Oxford Children’s Hospital behind Prime Minister David Cameron.
A specialist search and rescue team, paramedics, and fire and rescue services recovered his body.
Thames Valley Police said his death is not being treated as suspicious. Formal identification of the deceased had yet to be confirmed as the Oxford Mail went to press.
An inquest into his death is expected to be opened at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court this week.