A 27-year-old plumber tragically took his own life in his family’s home the day before his 28th birthday, an inquest has heard.

Scott Murrell was heard loudly snoring by his sister on the night before he was found, the coroner was told at a hearing at Reading Coroners Court.

His body was found in bed the next day by his parents, who opened his door with a spare key. It was discovered he had taken his own life.

Mother Linda Murrell told the inquest Mr Murrell had ‘seemed his usual cheerful self’ when he came down to fetch his dinner, which he ate in his room on the evening of October 24 last year.

His sister, Laura, told the inquest she had been woken up by the sound of Mr Murrell snoring through his bedroom door later that evening.

Police officers attending the home at Merryhill Green Lane, Wokingham, discovered a items at the scene which Mr Murrell had used and a note.

Mr Murrell’s family were not aware he had any mental health issues and his mother had not been concerned for his mental state, the coroner was told.

The inquest heard Mr Murrell had worked for his parents building company before starting work for himself as a qualified plumber. 

He had been a BMX bike enthusiast and had used the spare time he had during lockdown to rebuild a bike.

His mother told the coroner: "The guilt we feel for not noticing or being aware of his mental health. If only he could have felt able to speak to use or one of his many friends."

The inquest at Reading Coroners Court heard Mr Murrell had never spoken to a GP or any health professional about his mental health.

Assistant coroner for Berkshire Ian Wade KC said: “It is very, very sad to observe this was the day before his 28th birthday. I am not sure if that had any significance. I do not know why and I do not ask why Scott took this course.

“I am satisfied that Scott [...] died from suffocation.”

The Coroner gave a conclusion of suicide.

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