Man took own life by jumping from Plymouth river ferry
A MAN took his own life by jumping off the Torpoint Ferry weighed down with a rucksack full of potatoes, an inquest has heard.
David Lee, a factory worker, jumped from the vessel at 1pm on 15 August last year.
The 56-year-old made the journey across the Tamar two and a half times, waiting until no one was around before he jumped into the river, the inquest heard.
In a statement read out by Coroner Ian Arrow, Mr Lee's wife of 25 years, Christine said: "He got up normally that morning – I had no concerns about him at all. That was the last time I saw him. I had no idea he was in trouble at work. He had been dismissed for smoking in a prohibited place."
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The factory worker suffered from chronic alcohol misuse, had heart disease and had been fitted with a cardiac defibrillator according to a statement read out by the coroner.
Mr Lee was pulled out of the river by the MoD police marine unit around 6 minutes after he jumped in and was taken to Derriford Hospital where he passed away three days later.
Detective Constable Sarah Rawlinson was involved in the investigation following Mr Lee's death.
She said "The CCTV from the ferry showed Mr Lee sitting on the top deck.
"He travelled from Torpoint to Plymouth, back to Torpoint and then was half way back to Plymouth when he jumped.
"He can be seen to write something and place something down and he waited until there was no one around him.
"He put his rucksack over both shoulders and climbed over the barrier on the upper deck.
"He was found to have potatoes in the bag."
The coroner recorded a verdict of suicide and said: "He waited for the right time on the ferry when no one was around, going back and forward and seems to have loaded the bag with potatoes.
"I am satisfied that he took his own life."
5 Comments
by trumanmark
Monday, February 11 2013, 6:15PM
“Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike, and today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight, RIP David.”
by theparcel
Saturday, February 09 2013, 11:52PM
“"The 56-year-old made the journey across the Tamar two and a half times, waiting until no one was around before he jumped into the river"
"He had been dismissed for smoking in a prohibited place."
A 56 yr old would have known where to smoke and where not to smoke!”
by benmn
Monday, February 04 2013, 10:49AM
“@pauliebob No this man did not work for Princess Yachts.”
by Hearald
Friday, February 01 2013, 11:50PM
“discrimination against smokers has got to stop”
by pauliebob
Friday, February 01 2013, 9:11PM
“poor sod,-did he work for princess yachts at coypool? it would deffo explain why,,,,
rip geezer thoughts and condolences to the family and friends,”