17 hours ago
Young dad's heartbreaking final warning revealed before he was found dead by stepfather after taking his own life
A YOUNG dad sent his friends a heartbreaking final warning before he took his own life, an inquest heard.
Corey French, 19, was discovered dead by his stepfather outside his home in Swansea on Christmas Eve.
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The inquest was told Corey, who had a three-month-old son, was fighting a secret battle with addiction issues including gambling.
Corey had told his GP he had been misusing alcohol, cocaine and cannabis before his death.
In a letter found after his death, he apologised for "having to go out like this".
Corey said: "I can't do it anymore. I can't bare pain I'm going through. Don't do drugs, that's what has got me."
The inquest heard Corey was a popular and talented young footballer who had been described by former teachers as a "bright boy who loved school sports and art".
He was said to love his son and would "regularly show him off" to family members.
Corey had taken on a job where he would work away from home during the week, which he told a family member he struggled with.
But he had not indicated to friends, family or his girlfriend that he intended to harm himself.
On the evening he died, Corey had gone out to meet friends for a few drinks to celebrate Christmas before being taken home by his girlfriend.
His stepdad John later discovered the young dad dead outside the family home, the court heard.
Senior coroner Aled Gruffydd returned a conclusion of suicide.
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
CALM, 0800 585 858
Heads Together,
HUMEN
Mind, 0300 123 3393
Papyrus, 0800 068 41 41
Samaritans, 116 123
Corey enjoyed football and played for West End FC before having a stint at Treboeth.
He attended Gower College to study plumbing, before finding work with a local builder.
Corey later got a job with Swansea Council as a van driver.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
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