Pressure of lockdown ‘claims two more lives’
THE families of two young people thought to have taken their own lives have warned about the impact of the lockdown on mental health.
Abigail Hussey, 27, was found dead on the M4 near Swansea on Tuesday morning after she was unable to attend the funeral of her 93-year-old grandmother, who died from coronavirus.
Her father, Alan Hussey, said his daughter was devastated she could not say goodbye because of lockdown restrictions and he believes she committed suicide.
‘I’ll never know what was in her head at that time but I think her nan’s death just two weeks ago from the virus contributed to it,’ he told The Sun. Police have appealed for any drivers who may have seen Abigail, from Penllergaer, South Wales, on the day she died to get in contact.
Meanwhile, the family of a boy found dead said the 17-year-old was worried about his exams.
Matthew Mackell’s body was found in a park in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, on May 7.
Police are not treating his death as suspicious.
Matthew’s father, Michael Bond, 48, said: ‘If anyone needs to talk through anything at all that’s worrying them, please talk to someone.’
Research has found that young people are the most likely to feel alone during the lockdown.
For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.