Man killed himself days after accident killed wife, inquest hears (From Salisbury Journal)

Man killed himself days after accident killed wife, inquest hears

12:18pm Monday 3rd September 2012 in News By Corey Ross

A FATHER fighting depression killed himself on holiday in Morocco days after witnessing the accidental death of his wife, an inquest heard.

Wiltshire coroner David Ridley ruled Mathilde Lamb, 43, died accidentally when she fell 60ft from her apartment window after she was disturbed by noise in the street below in the early hours of August 17 last year.

He ruled her husband Roger, 47, took his own life by jumping off the balcony of a hotel stairwell four days later.

Their deaths left their children orphaned.

The inquest at Trowbridge Coroner’s Court heard the couple’s marriage had been “on a knife-edge” and they were concerned with financial problems in the months before the holiday.

Mr Lamb had been sinking into depression and had suicidal thoughts after losing his job as a geotechnical civil engineer in 2010. He had moved to New Zealand to get work, but his wife was reluctant to relocate the family from their home in Pensham, Worcestershire.

But Mr Ridley said the couple were relaxed and at ease on holiday. He said there was no evidence to the highest standard of proof to suggest foul play, anything suspicious or any third party involvement.

The hearing was told that shortly after his wife’s death Mr Lamb was stopped by locals from wading into the sea carrying a backpack full of rocks.

Mrs Lamb’s sister Charlotte Sebag-Montefiore, who lives in Dinton, had flown out to Morocco following her sister’s death to comfort the grieving family.

She told the hearing Mr Lamb had been tearful and in a “state of shock” but had been getting progressively better before his death.

He had eaten heartily at breakfast on August 21 then left his sister-in-law and children at breakfast while he went to get his swimming things, but was found at the bottom of the stairs after falling 20ft. He died in hospital the following day.

After the inquest a family statement was read by their solicitor Andrew Eddy. It said the inquest had brought an end to “what had been a harrowing period”.

“We pray Tilly and Roger may now rest in peace. They were devoted and loving parents who succeeded in bringing up their lovely children, and the future of their children will remain the principal concern of both their families.”