‘TOO MUCH... I CAN’T COPE NO MORE’
33-year-old dad sent several heartbreaking text messages before ‘taking his own life’
FATHER-OF-THREE Kane Watkins took his own life after battling alcohol and mental health problems.
The 33-year-old’s body was found by a dog-walker under a bridge on Queen’s Avenue in Tunstall.
An inquest heard Kane, pictured, had hanged himself on November 19 last year.
The inquest heard he sent a number of text messages in the days leading up to his death saying he intended to take his own life.
On November 3 he wrote, ‘I’m going to end my life’, while the following day he wrote, ‘No-one can help me,’ and ‘Too much, I can’t cope no more’.
On November 18 he sent a message which simply read, ‘Goodbye’ and that evening sent another which said, ‘I’m ready to go tonight’.
The inquest heard Kane’s body was discovered at 5.45am on November 19. Police were called to the scene and Kane, who lived locally, was identified.
Tests showed he had alcohol in his system as well as cocaine and a therapeutic level of diazepam.
Assistant coroner Margaret Jones concluded that Kane’s death was suicide. She said: “Kane had been abusing alcohol for a long time.
“Drugs did not seem to be a great part of his life, but it’s clear he had taken both alcohol and drugs.
“It may be that they made Kane behave in a way that he would not otherwise have done.
“However, he had a history of depression and self-harm. He appeared to lead a chaotic lifestyle. “■ If you need help then you can contact : 116 123. Website: www.samaritans.org . Email: jo@samaritans.org A local group addressing the rising problem of suicide among men. Contact via Facebook.
111. Website: www.nhs.uk. 123 0907.
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0300 123 3393. Website: www.mind.org.uk . Email: info@mind.org.uk. Text: 86463
0800 068 41 41. A specialist telephone service staffed by trained professionals at PAPYRUS.
0808 800 2234. Email: staffordshire.helpline@brighterfutures.org.uk. Text: 07860 022821