Stowmarket Shepherd of the Year, 27, took his own life

On Monday, the inquest into the death of Cameron Farnan was resumed at Suffolk Coroners’ Court in Ipswich.

Mr Farnan, 27, was discovered by members of the public on Tuesday, January 2 this year.

The mother and daughter had been with their dog when they came across Mr Farnan, as they walked along a footpath running through his father’s farm in Stowmarket.

The emergency services were called.

Members of the Armed Response unit were first on scene as there was a firearm found with Mr Farnan.

However, despite the best efforts of officers and paramedics, Mr Farnan was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Cameron Farnan was described as a gifted young shepherd. Image: National Sheep Association (Image: National Sheep Association) Cameron Farnan's inquest was brought to a close on Monday. (Image: Newsquest)

In the days after his death, a note written by Mr Farnan was discovered.

It read: “I’m back in the same rut I find myself in seemingly every year, but each time it gets exponentially worse.”

Mr Farnan worked as a shepherd and in 2022 was named Shepherd of the Year by the National Sheep Association (NSA).

His father, Martin Farnan, said that his son had struggled with low mood in the past, and had been feeling down over Christmas.

They had also discussed selling their flock, and Mr Farnan travelled around the world, shearing sheep.

“I don’t think he had found his groove in the world,” his father said.

However, Mr Farnan Senior said that his son’s death had seemed to come out of the blue.

They had been together all day on the Friday and Saturday before he died, and he said that “everything was positive”.

They had discussed plans for the future while moving 400 sheep and repairing fencing. His son was listening to his favourite podcast, and “laughing like a drain”.

His best friend had spent New Year’s Eve with Mr Farnan and had said that he was “buzzing”.

Mr Farnan said his son was experienced with firearms and knew how to keep himself safe when using them. He had a valid shotgun certificate and used the gun for shooting rabbits and foxes.

A post-mortem was carried out and found that he had died from a bullet wound. 

Assistant coroner for Suffolk Dr Daniel Sharpstone concluded that Mr Farnan had intended to take his own life.

He offered his condolences to Mr Farnan’s family. “It’s a tragedy,” he said.

Katie James was the communications manager at the National Sheep Association who led the activity with Mr Farnan.

She said: “All at NSA were desperately saddened by the loss of Cameron. He was a gifted shepherd and a well-liked member of the NSA and wider sheep farming community.

"Our thoughts continue to go to his friends and family as we remember him fondly at NSA.”

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.