Man, 53, penned suicide note before friend found him dead in Stoke-on-Trent flat
An inquest heard how Timothy Rigg, who had a history of alcohol dependence, had taken his own life.
A friend found the body of a troubled 53-year-old man after becoming concerned for his welfare.
Timothy Rigg, who had a history of alcohol dependency, was in the bedroom of his Attwood Rise flat in Kidsgrove. An inquest heard he had taken his own life.
Mr Rigg was last seen by friend Kelvin McCue on the evening of New Year's Day, when he called round to see him. He asked him for a cigarette through his window.
Then another friend, Michael Brownshill, went round the following day, but saw the blinds and curtains were still closed at 10.15am. He used his spare key to enter the property, where he found Mr Rigg.
The inquest took place at North Staffordshire Coroner's Court
In a statement, Mr Brownsill said: "For the last two years I've seen Michael every day. On January 1 at 10am, I went round to watch TV and have a brew and I left at around 12.30pm.
"On January 2, at 10.15am, I went round again to his flat, but saw that his blinds and curtains were drawn and the lights were on, which seemed strange.
"I used my key to get in and saw Timothy then I rang 999. It was at this point I realised he was cold and dead."
Mr Rigg left a note before taking his own life. A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death was hanging due to asphyxiation.
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Tests also showed Mr Riggs had so much alcohol in his system that he would have been more than three times the drink-drive limit.
His medical records revealed he had a long-term history of alcohol dependence and that a nurse had raised concerns about Mr Rigg after he told her about a failed suicide attempt. This led to him being referred to well-being services on December 10, 2018.
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During a phone consultation with his GP on December 19 about his alcohol problem, Mr Riggs revealed it had been the anniversary of his partner's death the day before and he was advised to reduce his alcohol intake gradually.
North Staffordshire' assistant coroner Sarah Murphy concluded the death was as a result of suicide.
She said: "He had a history of alcohol dependence. I am not going to find that the level of alcohol contributed to the death and I am satisfied that the intended outcome would be one of suicicde.
"I take into consideration the suicide note, which clearly shows he intended to end his own life."
If you are experiencing mental health problems, feeling suicidal, or are concerned about someone else, support is available. Speak with your GP, who can refer into appropriate local services, contact the Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline on 0808 800 2234 for out-of-hours support, or call the Samaritans on 116 123 for a listening ear 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.