On November 12, Alexander Newell of Biddulph, Staffordshire, was discovered in Kidsgrove’s Bathpool Park, as reported by Stoke Sentinel. An air ambulance arrived in response to a 999 call made by a worried individual who came across Alexander; however, he was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
The young hospitality worker, according to details from the inquest, was struggling with mental health challenges after being accused of crimes which he vehemently denied.
In his Mini parked at Bathpool car park, authorities found a letter outlining his intent and endearing notes to his family, reasserting his innocence.
Another eyewitness had noticed Alex, looking ‘distressed,’ seemingly crafting said letter, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Family members paid tribute, recalling him as “Extremely hardworking. Loved by many many people. He was young, funny, he enjoyed life, and he touched a lot of people’s [hearts] in the jobs he did.”
The sentiment of the community echoed their words, with one sharing, “People commented and said what a nice person he was, and he’d won an award at work for being very good at his job. I got stopped in the street by saying ‘You’re Alex Newell’s dad, you should be proud of him working in that pub, he’s brilliant’ – he’s sorely missed.”
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Coroner Duncan Ritchie, presiding over the Stoke-on-Trent Coroner’s Court inquiry, delivered a verdict of suicide in the case of Alexander Newell. He stated: “Alexander Newell was aged 21 at the time of his untimely death.
“He lived with his family in Biddulph, and he worked in hospitality. He was not known to have any medical history or mental health issues.
“In 2021 Alex was subject to a police investigation which resulted in serious criminal charges. It’s clear to Alex’s family the investigation was causing him distress.
“Even before he died his parents spoke to him about the court case because he was speaking to a barrister about attendance in court the following day.
“Alex’s mum woke him, he got ready for work and left the house as normal. Alex was found parked in his car at Bathpool Park in Kidsgrove. He appeared distressed and was writing a note.
“A police officer went to Alex’s body, and shortly after a paramedic arrived and pronounced life extinct. There was also the note in the car which leads me to believe that Alex intended to end his own life, so I record a conclusion of suicide.”