Diss farmer Stephen Pilch died by suicide coroner rules

Stephen Pilch, of Burston Road, Diss, died last year on November 9 after he was struck by a train in nearby Gissing.  

An inquest into the 68-year-old's death heard that Mr Pilch had walked to the train tracks near a level crossing.

British Transport Police and paramedics attended, but he was declared dead at the scene. 

In a statement provided to Norfolk Coroner’s Court, his wife Trudy described how an accident in January 2020 had a profound impact on him. 

“Following this incident he was a very different person,” she said. 

“Before his accident he was a private person whose main focus was his livestock, farm, and family.

“The impact of the head injury left him with a change of personality.  

“He was unable to recognise the changes in himself both physically and mentally.”  

Following his fall, he was kept in an induced coma for several weeks before receiving extensive rehabilitation. 

He returned home after six months but suffered “episodes of low mood”. 

Recording a conclusion of suicide, senior coroner Jacqueline Lake, said: “Stephen had clearly found life difficult since his accident and found his future on the farm was not as he would wish. 

“I am off the view that Stephen intended to die as a result of his actions.” 

"A GREAT LOSS TO ALL" 

Paying tribute, his family said: “The loss of Stephen is not only very sad and a great loss for our family but also the wider farming community.

“He spent all of his life working as a farmer alongside his dedicated wife and son on the family-run farm. 

“Anyone who knows a farmer will realise how hard they work every day all year through in all conditions during challenging times - often with little rewards. 

“For many this is all they know, but sometimes – as we hear too often – sometimes life becomes too much for some people.” 

Do you need support? The Samaritans can be contacted 24/7 by calling 116 123.  

Alternatively, the NHS First Response Service can be reached on 111, selecting option 2.