AN “exceptionally talented” musician and organ builder who was “loved by many” took his own life, an inquest heard.

David Coram, who lived in Harnham, was found dead at his workshop in Wick Lane in Downton on January 28.

An inquest held at Salisbury Coroners Court on July 12, heard the 42-year-old father-of-two had previously suffered with anxiety.

A statement from his partner Rebecca Bromfield, which was read out by coroner David Ridley, said David was “always doing things to help others” and was a “kind and generous person” who was “loved by many”. She said he was “incredibly bright and funny” and “adored his children”.

The statement said he “demonstrated resilience” in his life but when stressed his thinking would become “catastrophic” and he would think of the worse case scenarios.

The inquest heard there had been “issues” following the breakdown of his relationship with his former wife and that David had been experiencing financial difficulties.

He was also described as being “more detached” and “more easily stressed” than usual prior to his death.

A postmortem examination found cocaine in his system but coroner David Ridley said it was “impossible” to tell when he had taken it and “draw a conclusion” as to whether he was under the influence of it at the time. He said it can give rise to “alertness and euphoric feelings of wellbeing” but the note left by David “doesn’t point to a feeling of wellbeing”.

He also said there had been some “concerns and stresses” in David’s life, which were in part “factors in his mental state” leading up to his death.

Police found a note signed by David.

Mr Ridley said in previous conversation David had been “hopeful” but had gone into a “darker place” which resulted in him “intending and carrying out an act that resulted in his death”.

The cause of death was hanging and Mr Ridley returned a conclusion of suicide.

David was an accompanist for Salisbury Community Choir and St John Singers.

Jeremy Backhouse, the director of Salisbury Community Choir, said: “He was extremely brilliant. He was a rare talent.”

“He was delightfully eccentric and he loved these flowery shirts. Behind that eccentricity was a depth of talent for music which was virtually unparalleled in my experience,” he added. “He was incredibly inventive musically. He would never ever just play the notes in front of him.”

Steve Abbott, the musical director of St John Singers, said: “David was a much loved and exceptionally talented musician and he brought a little spark of genius to rehearsals and performances. Those of us who ran choirs accompanied by David recognise he was something absolutely exceptional. He is much missed.”