A ‘KIND and caring’ son died of alcohol poisoning after ongoing struggles with his mental health and work-related stress.

An inquest at Winchester Coroner's Court on May 25 heard that Jamie Honey was found at his home in Vigo Road on February 3, 2021.

Mum Suzanne Honey told the inquest he was “kind and caring” but that he had struggled with stress from his job and a relationship breakdown.

She said: “He had a good work ethic and always did his absolute best.”

After completing a BTech in engineering, Jamie joined Universal Marine Medical in Romsey in 2013 as an apprentice before becoming an account manager in 2018.

His family say he struggled with work-related stress and “couldn’t cope”. This was worsened by a relationship breakdown.

Mrs Honey said her son was a victim of the “vicious cycle” of not receiving support for his mental health, and then turning to alcohol as his anxiety worsened.

She said: “He didn’t want to drink, but he couldn’t control his anxiety."

After seeking help from his GP, Jamie was prescribed antidepressants and referred to the community health team.

Jamie, 26, was also offered support by Inclusion in Andover, an addiction support service.

In February 2020, he had a fit at work. An ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital. On discharge, he was signed off sick. He resigned in November 2020.

In a statement, director of operations Colin Rees described Jamie as an “exemplary” employee.

He said: “He was very capable and resourceful and our customers thought the world of him. He was very well respected.”

He said that issues around his drinking were raised earlier in 2020 and that Jamie had been moved to another team. 

Jamie’s work colleague and close friend, Chloe, also provided a statement at the inquest. She said Jamie “always wanted to please” and didn’t let on his struggles to many people.

Recording a narrative conclusion, area coroner Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp said: “It is quite obvious that Jamie was a special person. It’s rare for people to have that positive impact on absolutely everyone, but he obviously did. But he had his demons.

“This is a drink-related death, but it will be in the record of the inquest that this is a young man who had a significant mental health problem that unfortunately was not addressed.”

A fundraising page set up in Jamie's memory raised more than £2,000 for baby charity Tommy's.

If you would like any help with bereavement, loss or mental wellbeing, call the Samaritans on 116 123 or Cruse Bereavement Care 0808 808 1677 

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