A MAN from Colwyn Bay had “stopped looking after himself” and had changed his behaviour in the months prior to his death, an inquest has heard.

Aaron Robert John Newman, of Foxhall Close, Colwyn Bay, died aged 20 at his home address on 14 December, 2023.

At the inquest into his death in Ruthin today (May 13), Kate Robertson, assistant senior coroner for North Wales East and Central, recorded a conclusion of suicide with a medical cause of death of hanging.

The inquest heard that Mr Newman had been “very much into his sport” growing up, with his father Phillip saying he had played practically every sport.

His father described him as a “true pleasure to be around at his best”, and was “deeply saddened his life was cut short”.

He told the inquest he had “seen a change in behaviour and wellbeing” in his son some months before his death.

According to Phillip, he had “stopped looking after himself, stopped going for haircuts” and his room was unkempt.

He also became aware of debts his son had in the weeks before his death, and had offered to help him financially.

The inquest was told that in 2021, there were “some concerns” about Mr Newman’s mental health, but that after “elements of non-engagement” with the community mental health team, he was referred back to his GP in January 2022.

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He was then seen by his GP for abdominal pain the following January.

His friend, Eve Hansom, had texted Mr Newman the evening prior to his death, but after sending him a message at 4.23am on December 14, had heard “nothing back from him”.

North Wales Police were made aware of a sudden death at the Foxhall Close property at around 6pm that day, and upon arrival officers found Mr Newman had taken his own life, with a suicide note left in another room.

He was then identified by his father.

A post-mortem examination was carried out by Dr Huyam Abdalsalam, a consultant pathologist at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, who gave a medical cause of death of hanging.

Mrs Robertson said there was no evidence of third-party involvement, and due to the “element of pre planning” and the note left behind by Mr Newman, she gave a conclusion of suicide with a medical cause of death of hanging.

Addressing Mr Newman’s family and friends, she added: “I pass on my sincerest condolences after this tragic set of circumstances.

“It is clear that Aaron was much loved and much supported, and he had some difficulties.

“The love you gave him helped him no end.

“I’m so sorry you’ve lost him at such a young age - I hope the good times and memories you had with him, of which I’m sure there were many, help you at this time.”

If you would like support with your mental health, you can call Mind’s InfoLine on 0300 123 3393, or the Samaritans on 116 123.