A 74-YEAR-old farmer who contributed a great deal to his community took his own life and after struggling with his health, an inquest heard.
Bryn Williams, of Plas Uchaf, Llannefydd, died on Sunday, September 10, 2023. He was found by his dead at home by his nephew Bleddyn Jackson.
Mr Williams started work on the family farm aged 16. Farming was said to be in the blood.
A statement from his sister Bethan Jackson, read out during the inquest at Ruthin County Hall on February 6, said: “He was very kind.”
Mr Williams had suffered a number of strokes over the last two years, as well as other health problems, and his health had deteriorated.
On September 9, Ms Jackson went to see her brother. She was there from about 6am as she had to work that afternoon.
In the statement, she said: “The carer from Conwy would come about lunchtime. I phoned him about 3pm, he said he was feeling sick - not vomiting. He didn’t want anything to eat and he went to bed about 6pm.
“Bryn said he wanted the curtains left open for that night for the first time. He was very much like the old Bryn that evening.”
Ms Jackson went to get Mr Williams up about 7am the next morning. He said having the curtains open had been “nice”.
Bleddyn had called to see how Mr Williams was and Ms Jackson had planned to chase up the hospital. She then left for home.
Mr Williams said he "didn’t need anything else”.
At 11.23am, he informed Ms Jackson that the carer from Conwy had been and at 11.50am, Ms Jackson called for another chat.
“We spoke about people we knew from the past,” she said.
The last time Ms Jackson spoke to Mr Williams was early afternoon.
She phoned him at 5.15pm and 5.30pm but there was no answer.
Shortly after 6pm, Bleddyn phoned to say he had found Mr Williams dead at his home.
A post-mortem examination was carried out by Dr Muhammad Aslam.
The medical cause of death was recorded as asphyxia, ischemic heart disease contributed indirectly.
Kate Robertson, assistant coroner for North Wales East and Central, recorded a conclusion of suicide.
She said: “There was no third-party involvement. He died as a result of his own actions.
“He was suffering from a number of medical conditions that were clearly getting him down. Being a farmer is a way of life. Perhaps became frustrated and disappointed.
“By the method that he has adopted that has led to his death, he intended to end his life at his time."
Speaking to the sister, Ms Robertson added: “My sincerest condolences. It is evident to me that he was so well cared for by you and your son and I’m sure other family members. He was so well known and so well liked and contributed significant to the community of Llannefydd.
“The community will feel this loss so so much. I am incredibly sorry for your loss in these circumstances."
Anyone feeling distressed or suicidal can telephone Samaritans for help on 116 123 (free) or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK
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