Huntsman, 50, took his own life with a handgun, coroner concludes

AN INQUEST into the death of a Yorkshire huntsman has concluded that he took his own life with a licensed firearm.

Stuart Edward Trousdale, 50, was found with a gunshot wound in his three-bedroom flat, in Jedburgh, in the Scottish Borders, the town where he had lived for around 12 years.

The Scarborough-born countryman grew up in the village of Wykeham on the edge of the North York Moors, and worked for hunts around the UK.

At the time of his death he was a self-employed agricultural engineer.

He had been separated from his wife Zoe for six years, but maintained contact with her and their children, Luke and Ellie.

The inquest was held at North Yorkshire Coroner’s Court in Northallerton after Mr Trousdale’s body was brought back to his home county.

Assistant coroner Richard Watson read evidence from Police Scotland regarding Mr Trousdale’s

history of “low mood” and previous threats to shoot himself, though he was not known to local mental health services.

He was a certified holder of a number of shotguns used for pest control, including a handgun adapted to dispatch sick livestock which he used to end his life.

Police said Zoe Trousdale visited him in August 2021 and told him she wished to cease contact due to his threats to harm himself, which family members considered to be “emotional blackmail”.

He had been diagnosed with a depressive disorder in 2006 and was a “functioning alcoholic”. His body was found by his son Luke and a friend on September 28. Mr Watson recorded a conclusion of suicide.

A celebration of Mr Trousdale’s life was held at The Downe Arms Hotel in Wykeham, with a collection in aid of Help for Heroes. Anyone struggling with mental health worries can contact the Samaritans on 116 123.