Rugby player took own life in woods – inquest
mood” and the couple had had an argument.
“We have argued a lot since we got together 18 months ago,” Ms Proctor said. “I called Ieuan numerous times during the argument and he didn’t answer my calls. We then sent several messages through Facebook.”
PC O’Brien said there was no evidence of anyone “provoking or encouraging” Ieuan to harm himself.
A statement provided by consultant in intensive care Dr David John Jones was also summarised to the court.
The consultant said paramedics had achieved a return of circulation but a CT scan at Prince Charles Hospital showed evidence of anoxic brain damage. The court heard Ieuan “failed to wake from his coma when his sedation was stopped” and made no independent respiratory effort.
He was declared deceased at 1.18pm on March 13, 2020, with his family present around him.
Ieuan’s mother Clare Jackson provided a statement to the court which was also summarised.
Ms Jackson said her son had ambitions to join the Army and enrolled in the Army Foundation College in Harrogate but a knee injury led to him being discharged in September 2019.
At the time of his death he was a Careers Wales student and was due to complete a fitness coaching course.
Ms Jackson said Ieuan had struggled with the loss of a cousin to suicide and had received support from the child and adult mental health services (CAMHS).
Ms Jackson also referred to “relationship problems” between Ieuan and his partner.
Summing up the evidence, senior coroner Ms Saunders said Ieuan had experienced a “number of difficult situations in his young life”.
Ms Saunders said: “Ieuan was affected by the death of his cousin by suicide when he was young.
“Ieuan had also struggled with the disappointment of not being able to pursue his dream of an Army career and woven throughout these problems were issues relating to his mental health.
“It is clear that the option of taking his own life lay in the background for some time.”
She added: “Separately we have heard there were ongoing tensions between Ieuan and his girlfriend.
“Although this is not a court of blame, and it would be impossible to judge the effect this was having on Ieuan, clearly it was causing him significant distress as he shared with his family.”
The coroner accepted the medical cause of death as asphyxia caused by hanging. Ms Saunders recorded a conclusion of suicide.
Speaking after the inquest, Ieuan’s mother Clare Jackson said: “Without the support of Penallta Rugby Club we would be lost. They are a very special team.
“They are being trained in mental health roles as well so they are providing support now not just to the rugby players but to the community as well. Obviously my family have received good support as well.
“It’s nice to see how loved Ieuan was.” Following news of his death last year Penallta RFC issued a tribute to Ieuan describing him as “brave and fierce” young player who was “part of many brilliant tries and wonderful moments throughout his playing life”.
The club said Ieuan had “lots of friends at the club” and “will be really missed by us all”.
■ For confidential support the Samaritans can be contacted for free around the clock 365 days a year on 116 123.