Keen angler suffered depression battle before death, inquest hears

Geoff Sutcliffe was sadly found dead on February 28 along the bank of the River Mersey near Rixton, having been reported missing by his family four days previous.

An inquest into the death of the 61-year-old self-employed builder, from Woolston, was concluded on Friday at Warrington Coroners’ Court.

This heard how his family did their best to support him through a difficult time in his life which saw him struggling to cope with the death of family and a close friend.

The purpose of an inquest is to identify the cause of death, as well as to ascertain who the deceased is, when they died, where the death took place and how the death came about.

In a statement prepared by Geoff’s stepson, Michael Williams, the court heard the pair had known each other for more than 24 years.

He described his stepfather as ‘happy’, but also someone who had suffered from bouts of depression caused by the loss a very close friend and workmate seven years previously, which he found ‘hard to cope’ with.

Geoff also lost his sister and brother within a seven-month period, which was a very difficult time for him.

Michael explained in his statement how his stepfather had gone missing previously but had always been found, and that despite suffering from depression, he was always assisted by his family as best they could.

A further statement by Dr Norma Iceton, GP at Holes Lane Surgery, revealed how Geoff had a history of depression.

An inquest into the death of Geoff Sutcliffe was concluded at Warrington Coroners' Court

A consultation in early February discovered that he was struggling with his mental health.

He revealed that losing people close to him was a cause of his depression, and he was subsequently referred to North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Thomas Clarke, a mental health nurse working for the trust, said that after Geoff’s first contact with the team on February 8, he reported improvement in his mental health due to professional help and strong support from his family.

However, this deteriorated on February 16,

He again improved by February 23, when he last had contact with the team, after spending more time with family led to him have a ‘more positive outlook to the future’.

He said he did not have any further suicidal thoughts and that if he deteriorated, he would contact the appropriate services.

But a day later, he was reported missing by his family, leading to a public police appeal for help in finding him.

Underwater search teams, dog units and drones were deployed by police to trace his whereabouts, with Warrington residents also urged to check sheds and outbuildings.

However tragically, Cheshire Police confirmed Geoff’s body was found in the Rixton area at around 4pm on February 28.

An inquest into the death of Geoff Sutcliffe was concluded at Warrington Coroners' Court

The inquest heard through a statement from DC Shyami Williams that officers were requested to attend the scene of a death along the River Mersey between Woolston and Rixton.

Police attended the scene, which had no public access down a very steep embankment on the edge of the River Mersey.

The officer said there was no indication of any self-defence marks or unexplained injuries.

They also were satisfied that the death was non-suspicious, not due to any criminal act, with no evidence of any third-party involvement.

Concluding the inquest, Heath Westerman, assistant coroner from Cheshire, said: “I accept the medical cause of death as asphyxia.

“I am satisfied that he intended to end his own life, and my conclusion is one of suicide.

“I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Geoff Sutcliffe.”

If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, or you are struggling with your mental health, help is available.

Please call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org