‘Kind and generous’ St Leonards man died after Covid-related financial worries

A 66-year-old St Leonards man died in hospital after being found at his work garage in Rye, an inquest heard.
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Andrew Pithouse died at Royal Sussex County Hospital on August 24 this year.

An inquest at Eastbourne Town Hall on Thursday (December 17), heard that Mr Pithouse, a market trader from Combermere Road, had a long history of anxiety and depression.

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Mrs Pithouse said he was a kind and generous man with many friends, but suffered from ‘dark and depressive moods’.

Eastbourne Town Hall (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-190425-155105008Eastbourne Town Hall (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-190425-155105008
Eastbourne Town Hall (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-190425-155105008

Covid had caused issues to the couple’s business too, which had resulted in financial worries, the inquest heard.

Mr Pithouse was found by his wife, Jennifer Pithouse, in his work garage at the Atlas Business Park in Rye on the morning of August 23.

He had attempted to take his own life but when she found him he was still alive.

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The inquest heard Mr Pithouse went into cardiac arrest and was airlifted to hospital before he was stabilised.

According to Dr Fiona Baldwin, a CT scan revealed Mr Pithouse had suffered a hypoxic brain injury as the result of his actions and doctors decided to turn off life support on August 24.

East Sussex coroner James Healy-Pratt ruled that Mr Pithouse had intended to take his own life.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, the Samaritans may be able to help - the charity’s helpline number is 116 123.

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