Pensioner Colin Chapman died by suicide coroner rules

Widower Colin Chapman, 80, of Walpole St Andrew, near King’s Lynn, was found dead at his home by a delivery driver on January 26. 

Statements read out at  Norfolk Coroner’s Court described Mr Chapman as “intensively private but very nice”. 

The hearing was also told that the retired motor engineer “got on well” with his neighbours and kept in touch with his family, albeit infrequently.

On the day his body was discovered, police officers were called to his house after a delivery driver found Mr Chapman sitting in a chair in his conservatory. 

He was declared dead at the scene.

Norfolk Coroner's Court which held an inquest into the death of Colin Chapman (Image: Newsquest)

At the inquest, which took place on November 7, the area coroner Yvonne Blake said: “When his niece was dying, he went to see her in a hospice. 

“He was very much struck by the fact that he was quite well and elderly and there she was dying at a young age. 

“He thought it was very unfair and it was felt that this had a very profound effect on him.” 

The court also heard how Mr Chapman lived in a rural location and was reliant on his car but was told he was medically unable to drive anymore. 

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“It would have meant he was solitary and even more isolated, relying on people to take him out," Mrs Blake added. 

“His friend mentioned that he said he would never want to be a burden on anyone. 

“But Mr Chapman didn’t give anyone and indication that he was intending to ingest this [substance].” 

Ms Blake recorded a conclusion of suicide. 

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