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Around the World in 80 days - York Theatre Royal

York family left heartbroken after father took his own life on the day he was due back at work

The inquest was held at the old courtroom in Northallerton. Photograph © Google Street View
Sat 11 Sep, 2021 @ 8.13 am News Esther Halligan

The family of a York man who took his own life said they were ‘heartbroken without him’.

James Andrew Turbill, known as Andrew, killed himself on 6 May at home on the morning he was due to return to work.

He was worried about going back to work after being on furlough and had concerns about Covid safety measures, an inquest heard.

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The engineer followed his usual routine that morning at his home on Holgate Lodge Drive. He said goodbye to his wife Sarah at 7am as she left for her job as a teaching assistant.

Mr Turbill had been due to leave for work after his wife. But instead, the inquest heard that he went into the garage at the side of his house and hanged himself. He was 57.

An autopsy carried out at York Hospital on 10 May, had found there was no alcohol or drugs in Mr Turbill’s system on the morning he died.

Complete shock

In a statement, Sarah Turbill told the inquest that she returned from work as usual, at lunchtime that day, and was surprised to see her husband’s car in the drive.

She called out for him as she came into the house, but he didn’t reply. Mrs Turbill went into the kitchen, and noticed the garage side door was ajar and she expected her husband to walk out any minute.

But when he didn’t, she went into the garage and found him.

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She said her husband’s suicide was a complete shock: “Never in a billion years did I think he would commit suicide. He wasn’t depressed or withdrawn or distant.”

The weekend before Mr Turbill killed himself, the inquest heard the couple, who had been married for 28 years, had been out cycling together.

On the Sunday, he had spent time looking for frogs in a local pond with his neighbour’s son and on the Monday, he had talked to his daughter about plans to go to America for his 60th birthday.

Where to get help

When life is difficult, Samaritans are available – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123. And the following organisations also offer advice and help

Samaritans is available for anyone struggling to cope and provide a safe place to talk 24 hours a day.
Phone: 116 123
Visit the Samaritans website

SOS Silence of Suicide provides a listening service For children and adults who need emotional support, understanding, compassion & kindness.
Phone: 0300 102 0505
Visit the SOS Silence of Suicide website

Shout is a 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone struggling to cope and in need of immediate help.
Text SHOUT to 85258
Visit the Shout website here

HOPELineUK offer support, practical advice and information to young people considering suicide and can also offer help and advice if you’re concerned about someone you know.
Phone: 0800 068 41 41
Visit the Papyrus website

CALM, the campaign against living miserably is a suicide prevention charity that offers free, anonymous and confidential support via their helpline and webchat for anyone who is in crisis.
Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily 5pm-midnight)
Visit the CALM website

Lifeline provides support to people suffering distress or despair in Northern Ireland, regardless of age or district.
Phone: 0808 808 8000 (24 hours a day)
Visit the Lifeline website

Community Advice & Listening Line offers emotional support and information on mental health and related matters to people in Wales.
Phone: 0800 132 737 (24/7) or text “help” to 81066
Visit the Community Advice & Listening Line website

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide exists to meet the needs and break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend.
Phone: 0300 111 5065 (9am to 9pm daily)Visit the Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide website

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‘Chaos at work’

The inquest heard that Mr Turbill had been anxious about returning to work after a lengthy furlough. He was worried other people might not follow Covid guidelines and his wife said he, ‘hated’ what he saw as the ‘chaos’ where he worked at Crockey Hill.

As his return to work drew nearer, Mr Turbill’s anxiety increased. His widow told the inquest that he hadn’t called in sick that day or contacted his employers to say he wouldn’t be returning.

Assistant coroner John Broadbridge said there were no warning signs from Andrew Turbill.

He said it was ‘possible’ and in keeping with Sarah Turbill’s view, that Mr Turbill suffered a severe anxiety attack whilst alone in his home that morning, before he was due at work at 8.45am.

Giving a verdict of suicide, John Broadbridge said it was an “impulsive but deliberate act. There must have been some planning involved with the rope. He knew he wouldn’t be disturbed.”

Neighbours and friends of the Mr Turbill were in shock and disbelief when they heard what had happened. His wife said the family are “heartbroken without him”.

Sat 11 Sep, 2021

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