A young man tragically died after falling from a bridge in Staffordshire and being struck by a heavy goods vehicle, an inquest has heard. Michael Heath, 24, took his own life in July last year after sending a series of alarming messages to his loved ones.
Background and Mental Health Struggles
Michael, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, worked as an online customer service advisor for bet365. He had previously struggled with mental health issues, attempting an overdose in January 2020 before being diagnosed with mixed anxiety and depressive disorder. Despite significant improvements, his father noted no cause for concern in the days before his death.
His father told the inquest: 'Mike worked as an online customer service advisor for bet365. He worked night shifts, alternating between a week in the office and a week at home. There was nothing to suggest he was having issues with work. He would talk about how he received praise from customers.'
'Prior to the collision, Mike had been on a period of sickness because he was feeling ill with flu-like symptoms. He took the week off and was due to return to work on July 28. I would say that he was feeling anxious about his return to work because he would have been under an absence warning. But he appeared okay.'
Events Leading to the Incident
On the day of the incident, Michael's father returned home at around 3.20am and found Michael absent, which was not unusual. He received text messages from Michael at 4.05am and 4.16am. Later, Michael's mother received an alarming message from a relative stating that Michael had lost £3,000 at Grosvenor Casino in Hanley and intended to end his life.
Michael's long-term girlfriend described him as never revealing his mental health struggles during their relationship. On July 28, she visited him after work and they discussed his return to work that evening. She left at 5.45pm so he could prepare. Michael later called her at 9.30pm, expressing worry about work, but she reassured him. They texted until around 11pm, and she noticed nothing unusual.
She was woken at 5am by a text from Michael's father asking if Michael was with her. Checking Snapchat, she saw Michael had been at Porthill roundabout near the A500 at around 4.50am.
Friend's Account and Final Moments
Before heading to the bridge, Michael contacted a friend and bet365 colleague. The friend told the inquest that at around 12.48am, Michael texted him and seemed off. They agreed to meet after work for a drink. The friend arrived at the casino at 2.11am, where Michael was already gambling. Michael was up at one point but later reached his gambling limit. He transferred £200 to his friend to withdraw and continue gambling.
After finishing, Michael gave his friend a lift home, appearing upbeat and discussing plans with his girlfriend about starting a family. He dropped his friend off at 3.45am. At 4.05am, the friend received messages from Michael and tried to reason with him. Later that day, he learned of Michael's death.
Investigation and Conclusion
Sergeant Roger Whetton, forensic collision investigator at Staffordshire Police, stated that Michael died after being struck by a HGV. A toxicology report found alcohol and cocaine in his system. The cause of death was multiple injuries from a road traffic collision.
Coroner Li Hammer-Naylor recorded a suicide verdict, stating: 'Suicide must never be presumed. It must be proved that the deceased took their own life and that they intended to do so. On the balance of probabilities, I find that there is evidence that Michael intended to take his own life. There is direct evidence of intention through the messages he sent to his family, friends and partner. His actions also appeared to be deliberate and directed.'
