Tragic mystery of lorry driver found dead in garden

A DERBYSHIRE man was found dead in his father’s garden.

Lee Byard, of Whitehead Close, Ilkeston, was discovered after finishing a night shift as a lorry driver at DHL in Castle Donington. A Derby Coroner’s Court inquest heard Mr Byard, 49, was last seen alive by a work colleague.

Assistant coroner Louise Pinder said: “He had been at work from 11am on October 9 and had left at 2am. Lee and his wife had been in regular contact via phone calls and text messages. At around 1.30am she sent a text saying she couldn’t sleep. He had arranged to come to the home address at 6.30am. Lee sent a text to his wife’s son at around 2am to wish him a happy birthday.”

The inquest heard Mr Byard’s wife became concerned when her husband did not come home and went to his father’s address. It was there that she found him hanged. There was a nearly empty bottle of what appeared to be vodka inside the house.

A report from Mr Byard’s GP said there was no evidence of mental health issues. Mr Byard did not leave a note.

The coroner said: “There are no suspicious circumstances. A formal conclusion of suicide will be recorded.”