A man who died a week after his 22nd birthday was “resilient” and “tough”, but sometimes found it hard to talk about his struggles, an inquest heard.

Jonlee Ford, from Cotton, near Stowmarket, died at West Suffolk Hospital on July 22 last year.

On Friday, an inquest into his death was heard before Suffolk Coroners’ Court in Ipswich.

The court heard that Mr Ford struggled with a number of mental health difficulties, including schizophrenia, depression and anxiety. He also battled an addiction to opiates, which he had tried to overcome with support from the organisation Turning Point.

On the morning of July 21, Mr Ford took action to end his life. He died the following day, one week on from his 22nd birthday.

Giving evidence in court was Tom Collis, who worked for Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust as Mr Ford’s mental health care co-ordinator.

His role included offering support to Mr Ford within the community.

Mr Collis said that he found Mr Ford to be “a highly intelligent young man”. While he could at times be candid about his struggles, they were at times hard for him to put words around.

“Jonlee was a very resilient, tough young man,” Mr Collis said. “At times, it was difficult for him to express the extent of his vulnerabilities.”

The day before Mr Ford took action to end his life he is thought to have taken a car belonging to his father, which was involved in a collision. Mr Ford is believed to have left the scene.

Police visited Mr Ford’s address. After his father gave them permission to search the property, Mr Ford was discovered in the back garden.

Police attempted CPR and an ambulance was called. Mr Ford was conveyed to West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds.

However, despite the best efforts of those who cared for him, Mr Ford died on the morning of July 22.

Senior Coroner for Suffolk Nigel Parsley returned a conclusion of suicide.  

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If you need urgent mental health support call NHS 111 and select option 2 or the Samaritans on 116 123. Both services are available 24 hours 7 days a week.