A stable worker told his family and friends he loved them in a handwritten note before he took his own life, a court has heard. 

David Thompson, 25, had battled with depression for more than ten years when he ended his life in woodland at Drain Hill, Hungerford, in February. 

He was found following an extensive police search after he had been reported missing on February 11, 2022, when he did not turn up for work at Rhonehurst Stables in Upper Lambourn. 

Mr Thompson had been out with colleagues at a pub the evening before and was last seen on CCTV heading towards the woods with a chocolate bar, sweets and an energy drink. 

Shortly after 3am on February 12, Mr Thompson was discovered hanging in woodland with an empty drink can and discarded Fruit Pastilles wrapper beside him.

DC Pamela Finch, who gave live evidence at the inquest into Thompson’s death, said the yard worker used equipment from the stables he worked at to end his life. 

Reading Coroner’s Court heard how Mr Thompson had split up with his girlfriend prior to his death and had also told a colleague that he had been feeling down and drinking more. 

When police searched his room following his disappearance, they found an unsigned note which suggested ‘the author was in a bad place mentally.’

“The person who wrote it was intending to end their life”, coroner Alison McCormick said. 

The note also said the author loved his friends and family, that they had been struggling with depression for ten years, and that they were ‘now at peace.’

Ms McCormick ruled that Mr Thompson died by suicide. 

Addressing his family, who were present at the inquest, the coroner said: “I’m so sorry you lost David. It is tragic he didn’t manage to utilise the support available to him on this occasion. 

“I hope you will be able to reconcile yourself with the decision David made. 

“It is clear he felt loved and supported by all of you.”

The inquest took place on Tuesday, August 16. 

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