A 20-YEAR-OLD Sea Cadets instructor, who was an "outgoing young man", hanged himself in the garden of his family's home.

Luke Musselwhite was found by his parents on August 20 in their Laverstock garden, after last seeing him at Salisbury Sea Cadets the evening before.

In a statement from Luke's father Andrew Musselwhite, read out at the coroner's court by assistant coroner Ian Singleton, it was heard that on August 19, Luke had cycled to and from the Sea Cadets session, which his family also attended.

However, after returning home around 10pm, Andrew explained that they didn't see the 20-year-old for the rest of the night, assuming he was in his bedroom.

But the next morning, at around 5.30am, Luke was found hanging in the garden by his parents, with letters later found in his bedroom.

An ambulance was called but he was pronounced dead at the scene by his family.

In his statement, Andrew described Luke as an "outgoing young man who liked his own company".

The coroners’ court heard that Luke, a heavy goods technician, had been suffering with mental health issues for around two years.

In a statement from his GP Benjamin Kay, he said that Luke had spoken about dealing with mental health issues and feelings of uselessness and depression for around two years, and was seeking help through regular visits with the doctor.

It was also heard that Luke had experienced self harming and suicidal thoughts.

Mr Singleton recorded a conclusion of suicide by hanging.

For more information and guidance about suicide visit samaritans.org/