Coroner concludes 31-year-old Llay man's death was suicide

The resumed inquest into the death of 31-year-old Michael Hazel took place in Ruthin on Tuesday morning.

Mr Hazel, known to many as Mike, lived with his parents in Llay, and was found at his home address on June 21 this year.

John Gittins, Coroner for North Wales (East and Central) read from a statement prepared by Mr Hazel's father, Russell Hazel.

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In it, he explained his son was the youngest of two siblings - his older brother being James - and that he was "very close with his family."

A machine operator by profession, Mr Hazel was described as being "very into sport," which encompassed a love of running and boxing; both of which he'd competed in.

He was a member of Wrexham Running Club and in his mid-twenties, he was accepted as a participant in the London Marathon.

But a fall from a bike prior to the event meant he was unable to train for it, and so he did not end up taking part that year.

And while he was told he could apply for a subsequent event, he did not feel able to "start from scratch" - which his family felt had been a trigger for a decline in his mental health thereafter.

In the days leading up to Mr Hazel's death, his father had said he seemed ok.

He and Mr Hazel's mother had just returned from a weekend away when they located a note from their son.

"It is very clear the note [was] a final message," Mr Gittins said.

Police attended a short time later and located Mr Hazel.

A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as hanging.

No drugs or alcohol were found to be in his system by the toxicology examination.

Mr Gittins told the hearing that based on evidence from Mr Hazel's GP, he had a history of depressed mood and had contacted the surgery in early June to report he felt more anxious.

He attended an appointment thereafter and was signed off work for two weeks; declining medication when it was offered.

At the conclusion of the hearing, Mr Gittins said that having regard to the entirety of the circumstances, he was satisfied that Michael Hazel had intended to bring his life to an end by his actions and thus he recorded a conclusion of suicide.

He offered his condolences to Mr Hazel's father and brother, who had attended the inquest, and said it was clear that he had been struggling with certain issues in his life at the time of the incident.

"I am sure he is missed every moment of every day," he said.

Anyone struggling with their mental health can call Samaritans for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.