'Much-loved' dad tragically took his own life at just 48 years old

A "much-loved" dad from Bolton tragically died at just 48 years old having taken his own life. Paul Felton died on September 4 this year at his home on Manchester Road in Over Hulton. Mr Felton was a father who "loved spending time with his children" and was the director of a construction company, an inquest held at Bolton Coroners' Court heard.

His wife, Emma Felton, told the hearing how the pair had been together for 24 years and had been married for 14 of those. The court heard that in early July, Mr and Mrs Felton separated and he left to live in Over Hulton, but that they continued to "speak every day". On September 4, Mrs Felton said she called her husband after he had not been in touch that evening as he would normally do.



She contacted him at 7.30pm but there was no answer - something which he "never" did. Mrs Felton then called husband's aunt, Joy Butterworth, saying she was concerned about him.

Mrs Butterworth and her husband found Mr Felton dead at his home. Mrs Felton said she "couldn't believe" what happened. She added that "they all miss him dearly" and she is "struggling to come to terms with his loss".

The inquest heard from Mr Felton's GP, Verity Joshi, who diagnosed him as suffering with depression and anxiety. He was prescribed medication to help him deal with these mental health issues. Pathologist Dr Patrick Waugh gave Mr Felton's cause of death as hanging.

Concluding, Assistant Coroner Ceri Owen said: "Paul was 46, was married and had two children. He was much loved, had a very supportive family and he was successful in his career. "He went through a difficult eight weeks prior to the events culminating in his death.

" She gave his death as a suicide as it was "deliberate and intentional". Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even on a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill.

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