Inquest concludes into death of Appleton dad reported missing

An inquest concluded on Tuesday at Warrington Coroner’s Court into the death of Ian Price, who had been the subject of a missing person appeal by Cheshire Police.

The married father-of-two, an Appleton resident, died aged 47 on Saturday, August 19, 2023, in a woodland area at Millennium Green in Appleton, off Dale Lane and Lumb Brook Road.

The inquest resumed with Sarah Murphy, assistant coroner for Cheshire, expressing her sincere condolences to his family, stating she was ‘very sorry’ to meet under such circumstances.

She also explained that the purpose of an inquest is to ascertain answers to questions of who the deceased was and when, where and how they came by their death.

A statement was read during the inquest on behalf of Ian’s wife of 14 years, Lisa, who explained that he developed symptoms of Covid-19 and tested positive on January 12 last year.

The virus triggered shingles and Ian began to complain about issues with his eyesight, causing him ‘extreme anxiety’. As his anxiety worsened, his symptoms worsened.

A specialist was contacted but no explanation could be found for the symptoms, but by April 27, an ophthalmologist was able to diagnose visual snow syndrome.

This is a neurological disorder that impacts an individual’s vision, hearing, cognition, sensory processing and quality of life.

The defining characteristic is seeing visual snow, which can be described as seeing static, flickering dots and flashing lights 24/7.

Ian had never heard of this before then, but became ‘obsessed’ with it, and reading more into it left him ‘anxious, fearful and caused him to struggle to focus on positives’ after learning there is no cure.

His feelings of debilitation affected his mental health, and by May 8 he had made an attempt on his own life, leading to him being hospitalised.

A mental health team spoke to him in hospital and he was discharged, but he made a second attempt on his life on May 18, leading to further admittance to Aintree Hospital.

A mental health team diagnosed him with depression and he was discharged to go home, where he told his wife he was scared about what he could do to his own life.

They both started to listen to self-help books and practised meditation and mindfulness activities and art therapy.

Walks also helped, leading to glimpses hope of him grasping onto something positive, but he was still having suicidal thoughts. Suicide notes were found typed on his computer.

His work as a freelance graphic designer had become quiet, which made this period ‘very difficult’ for him due to his enjoyment of work which gave him a sense of pride, and this was a mental health trigger.

On August 18, Ian stated that he was going to go for a run and left home at 11.20am, but his wife had a ‘feeling something had happened’ and was worried about his welfare.

The inquest was concluded at Warrington Coroner's Court

After calling his mobile and getting no answer, neighbours and friends went looking for him and Cheshire Police were informed.

Officers joined the search, along with Cheshire Search and Rescue Service, and an urgent public appeal was launched, but sadly Ian’s body was discovered the following day.

Paramedics were called and an ambulance was dispatched, but Ian was declared deceased at 2.17pm on August 19.

A statement was heard from a police detective sergeant which stated that there were no suspicious circumstances or evidence of third-party involvement surrounding his death.

The court heard of Ian’s medical history, including a statement from his GP at Lakeside Surgery in Lymm referencing his visual snow syndrome diagnosis and subsequent mental health struggles.

Further statements were read on behalf of mental health nurses, with in-person evidence also given regarding his treatment, therapy and plans.

After the second suicide attempt, Ian was discharged from hospital after four days and placed in the care of the mental health home treatment team.

On July 20, the team concluded that he could be discharged from their care following an assessment.

In the weeks prior to his death, Ian received private counselling, where he was identified as a low risk of suicide.

Lisa told the inquest: “I sensed I was losing my grasp on him. It was pulling him down stronger than I could keep him above water.”

Summing up, Coroner Murphy said that Ian received a diagnosis of a visual disorder, and anxiety and depression following this diagnosis in April.

This caused a ‘deterioration in his mental health’, leading to two self-harm episodes, she considered.

As a result, she concluded on the balance of probabilities that Ian made a deliberate act with the consequence being to end his own life, and reached a conclusion of suicide.

Coroner Murphy praised Lisa for her ‘support and devotion’ to Ian and again expressed her sincere condolences to his family.

She described Ian as a gentleman who greatly loved his family, adding: “It is nothing short of tragic that such a brilliant man died in such tragic circumstances.

“I hope his family can pull together and move forward, as I have no doubt whatsoever that is what he would have wanted.”

If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, or you are struggling with your mental health, help is available.

Please call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org