Mystery why ex-engineer, 91, took his own life at care home ‘LOVELY, LOVELY MAN’ HAD GIVEN NO INDICATION HE WOULD HURT HIMSELF
A 91-YEAR-OLD former electrical engineer who killed himself by electrocution at a care home has been described as a “lovely, lovely man”.
Roland Fogg, who preferred to be called Ronnie, was found dead in his room at the Spencer Grove Care Home in Springwood Gardens, Belper, on August 22, 2018.
Maud Nutbrown, a senior care representative, said Mr Fogg was “lovely, independent and intelligent” and he enjoyed telling jokes.
In the days before his death she said she had noticed a “slight” change in him and that he had become more quiet.
Donna Annable, manager of the care home, said she did not know Mr Fogg well but added that he was a “lovely, lovely man” who was liked by everyone.
She told the inquest that she had no knowledge of changes in him before his death, and said a review of his room following his suicide found nothing of note that would signify his intentions.
Mr Fogg’s niece Kelli Allen told the inquest she had seen “no indication” that he would hurt himself. She said she had “racked my brain for 12 months” to try to understand her uncle’s actions.
Mr Fogg, originally from Manchester, is understood to have had a past history of depressive disorder and had relapsed as recently as 2015.
Staff had noticed that Mr Fogg had been quieter than usual and was upset because he believed that some of his paperwork and photographs relating to his late wife had gone missing.
A statement was heard from Jack Woodhouse, a maintenance worker at the care home, that he found Mr Fogg’s body after going into his room to check that his smoke alarm was working. He had previously said hello to Mr Fogg in the lift, and said he noticed nothing out of the ordinary. Dr Amandeep Mann, the pathologist who performed a postmortem examination on Mr Fogg, found that he died of injuries consistent with electrocution and heart failure.
Bryony Marshal, senior care leader at Spencer Grove, described how Mr Fogg had maintained his Spencer Grove Care Home independence despite his age by going to the shops and bank himself and said he was “very chatty”.
One day she saw him looking pale and agitated, and told the inquest that he could not explain what was wrong with him when she asked.
Staff did medical checks on Mr Fogg and found no problems, but told him if something was wrong he should tell them.
Mr Fogg declined to see a GP, which he was within his rights to do as he still maintained a high mental capacity despite his age.
Assistant coroner Tanyka Rawden concluded that Mr Fogg took his own life, as there were no signs of any other party being involved.
She said: “Something happened recently that made him take his own life” and described the method used as a “deliberate and calculated thing to do”. She said Mr Fogg’s actions could not have been foreseen, and that the care home had acted cor
“The Lancaster brings people together, as the last time I saw this chap was 30 years ago,” Mr Walmsley said. “We used to work at Trent Buses together but hadn’t spoken to each other since.”
Mr Mosley, of Ripley, added: “They were playing Dambusters over the speakers as it came over. It’s quite nostalgic.
“Whether it’s the sound of a Lancaster or a Spitfire, they have a sound of their own.”
Event organiser, Ian Viles, 60, described the day as “quite emotional”.
“We are so glad it made it,” he said. “It was looking like it might not make it because of the weather. It’s about bringing the community together and the great community spirit.”
The Avro Lancaster that took to the skies over Ilkeston was delivered as the war with Japan ended and it did not see any action.
It was then assigned to photographic reconnaissance duties with 82 squadron in South Africa.
After joining the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in November 1973, it was soon adopted by the city of Lincoln, and is now based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
The plane underwent a major refit at RAF Duxford during the winter of 2016-17. rectly and could have done nothing more in the days leading to his death.
The coroner offered her condolences to Mr Fogg’s niece, and said: “I hope this gives you reassurance that he was being cared for.”
A spokesman for Spencer Grove Care Home said: “Ronnie was a lovely, intelligent and independent gentleman. He was active in the home and in the local community and enjoyed interacting with the staff and other residents.
“We were all extremely saddened and, along with his family member, completely stunned by what happened. We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the family of Ronnie.”
The Samaritans’ free helpline number is 116 123. Calls to this helpline number do not appear on phone bills. Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year, providing a safe place for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Ronnie was a lovely, intelligent and independent gentleman.
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