A window cleaner who was hit by a train had been to the shop to buy a newspaper just hours before, an inquest heard.
Brian Kimmance, 60, died in the incident on January 14, near Hightown train station.
The hearing today (Tuesday) heard Brian’s family believed his mental health had been impacted due to a change in medication, and not being able to see the mental health team due to the pandemic.
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Brian, who lived on Heathfield Road in Brighton-Le-Sands, had worked as a window cleaner until a fall at work meant he was no longer able to do so.
The inquest heard a statement from the train driver who said it was dark when he saw him on the tracks.
He sounded the horn and applied the emergency brakes, but Brian did not move, the hearing was told.
Helplines and support groups
The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at [email protected]
- PANDAS (0808 1961 776) runs a free helpline and offers a support service for people who may be suffering with perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (antenatal) and postnatal depression plus support for their family or network.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
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Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone who has been affected by a suicide. This includes dealing with police and coroners; helping with media enquiries; preparing for and attending an inquest and helping to access other, appropriate, local support services. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk for more details.
- Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text HOPE to 85258 to find relevant services near you.
- Young Persons Advisory Service – Providing mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: [email protected]
- Paul’s Place – providing free counselling and group sessions to anyone living in Merseyside who has lost a family member or friend to suicide. Tel: 0151 226 0696 or email: [email protected]
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The Martin Gallier Project – offering face to face support for individuals considering suicide and their families. Opening hours 9.30-16.30, 7 days a week. Tel: 0151 644 0294 email: [email protected]
Brian is said to have had a history of mental illness and to have previously made attempts on his own life.
The inquest heard he had struggled with his mental health for 31 years, but that it was usually managed by medication.
A report from British Transport Police, who had spoken to a member of Brian’s family named Susan, said she had heard him leave the house that morning.
She told officers she was unsure what time he left but the local newsagent opened at 7am and he would often go and buy the morning paper.
Susan said when she awoke at around 9.20am, that day’s newspaper was there.
She was unsure when he had returned, or when he had gone back out.
After Susan went into his room and saw family photographs laid out on his bed, she realised something was not right and went out looking for him.
She also reported him missing to the police.
Mr Kimmance’s car was found parked not far away from the scene. An investigation found no suspicious circumstances.
At the time of the incident, a British Transport Police spokesperson told the ECHO : “Officers were called to the line in Ince Blundell at 9.31am this morning (14 Jan) following reports of a casualty on the tracks.
“Paramedics also attended however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Officers are now working to identify the person and inform their family.
“The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
Senior coroner Julie Goulding concluded Mr Kimmance’s death was a suicide.
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