A Bolton dad recorded a “goodbye video” before taking his own life, an inquest has heard.
Paul Anthony Greenhalgh, who was a joiner, died in his home in Doffcocker on January 3, 2025, aged 43.
An inquest into his death was held at Bolton Coroner’s Court on Thursday, April 17.
Elizabeth Grundy, Paul’s mother – and the last person to see him alive – told police that he “seemed alright” that morning and “had been texting her throughout the day”.
Coroner Stephen Teasdale said: “At 1.39pm he sent you a text to say he loved you – was that unusual?”
“No, he said it every day,” Ms Grundy replied.
She said his death came as a shock, as “he was brilliant all over Christmas and New Year’s” and was “in quite good spirits”.
The family thought Paul was just “asleep in bed” until they realised something was wrong and called emergency services.
PC Kelly, an officer who arrived at the scene, said they found a “six-digit code” on the back of a box of medication prescribed to Paul.
The code was used to unlock Paul’s phone, where they found a “goodbye video” in which he told his family he loved them.
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Mental health workers who had worked with Paul said that he had “several ongoing social struggles” and “wanted to address his trauma”.
They said he said he had “fleeting thoughts” of suicide but “denied actually wanting to end his life”.
They said he “reported that when he didn’t drink alcohol, he didn’t have those thoughts”.
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The inquest heard how Paul was referred to a number of “talking therapies” but did not respond to their letters or attend his first appointment.
Mr Teasdale said: “Although in the past, he makes reference to drawing attention to himself, in this case he recorded a video and took drink as well.”
He concluded Paul’s death was by suicide and he offered his condolences to the family.
For confidential support, Samaritans can be contacted for free around the clock 365 days a year on 116 123.
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