Waterlooville man who 'knew he would struggle' in lockdown took his own life, coroner rules

At Portsmouth Coroner’s Court this morning, an inquest was held into the death of Daniel Furniss, 34 from Waterlooville.

Daniel was found dead in the living room of his flat by police on March 27, after concerned family members were unable to get in touch with him.

Coroner Jason Pegg discussed with Daniel's relatives the various troubles he had faced in his life, as they paid tribute to a kind, family-oriented man who will be sorely missed.

Daniel had been diagnosed with diabetes when he was 18 months old, and had a long-standing diagnosis of depression.

His mother, Anita Harper-Stirling, told the court that his Personal Independence Payments (PIP) had recently been stopped as well, but the threat of Covid-19 tipped him over the edge.

She said: ‘He had lived in his flat for about a year, and he would have somebody from the family see him every day.

‘Dan said he was going to struggle with lockdown, and the thought of having to stay in every day and not see his friends or family.

‘We said that we were all here for him and if he was really struggling we would sort something out.’

In his free time, Daniel enjoyed playing Pokemon Go, and frequently visited Victoria Park in Portsmouth to play.

The court heard that Daniel had struggled with the death of a former lover, who was not named, and never really got over it.

He had also been diagnosed with HIV after being the victim of a sexual assault.

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After reading evidence from Daniel’s GP and forensic pathologist Dr Brett Lockyear, who carried out the post-mortem, Mr Pegg recorded a conclusion of suicide.

He said: ‘In March, Covid-19 raised its head, and the evidence I've heard today is that Dan knew he was going to struggle going into lockdown.

‘Dan had historically made serious attempts to take his own life – it seems to me that when police entered his flat and found him in the living room, Dan had taken his own life and intended to do so.’

Police noted a number of empty alcohol cans on Daniel’s coffee table; the post-mortem found him to be 1.4 times over the drink-driving limit, but this was not considered to have played a part in his death.

Daniel’s family say they have been overwhelmed with support since Daniel's death.

In the months that followed, they have been fundraising for Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – raising more than £1,500 with a sponsored walk.

Ms Harper-Stirling, from Lovedean, said: ‘We want to thank everyone for the support that was given to us, and for the money that was raised for the funeral.

‘People who we didn’t even know have been in touch and that has been amazing. I don’t think Dan realised how much everyone loved him.

‘He only had a small circle of friends but everyone looked out for him, and he’ll be dearly missed.’

If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article you can talk to your GP, phone 111 or text SHOUT to 85258.

Alternatively you can call the Samaritans on 116 123, email [email protected] or visit the website.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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