Star Will’s anguish over tragic twin
SINGER Will Young found caring for his “suicidal” twin brother had “become too much”.
The star told an inquest yesterday his death may have been triggered by loneliness and inability to be with animals because of the pandemic.
Rupert Young, 41, jumped to his death from London’s Westminster Bridge following years of battling with mental health issues and addiction, the hearing was told.
The tragedy came just days after Rupert was found walking along the same bridge where he was talked down by emergency workers and taken to A& E.
His body was found with a hospital tag in the Thames on August 2.
The Young family’s barrister said Rupert had managed to discharge himself from nearby St Thomas’ Hospital and that the family have concerns over systemic failings in his care.
However, hospital bosses deny any failings.
Will, who won Pop Idol in 2002, attended the inquest with his mother in Poplar, east London. He left the room when the coroner read heartbreaking evidence of the day his brother died. Will told the inquest: “I was a carer for him, but it became too much. He could not look after himself and I did not believe he could look after his own life.”
The coroner heard Rupert had an ongoing problem with alcohol and painkiller addiction which improved when he was around animals, dogs and horses in particular.”
Will believed the tragedy was also triggered by the death of his dog, and by the pandemic when he was unable to access animals. He said: “Rupert struggled with depression and anxiety I would say for 20 years. Over that time, more Will Young leaves times than I can inquest yesterday think of, there have been suicide attempts or suicide ideation.”
In the three weeks leading up to his death, he had been drinking up to 30 cans of beer per day, the inquest heard.
He had also broken up with his girlfriend, was removed from his brother’s house and did not have any friends for support. GP reports said he suffered from anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder.
The inquest continues.