Inquest concludes into tragic Hunstanton death of Gary White

Gary White, former chairman of non-league site Heybridge Swifts, took his own life at Hunstanton cliffs on April 3 after struggling with depression and anxiety. He was 64.

An avid supporter and season ticket holder at West Ham, the court heard how several years ago Mr White came close to taking over the East London club with former striker Tony Cottee - who scored twice for the Canaries in 2000.

The surprising takeover bid was one of a number of fond memories his brother Steve White shared with the court during the course of the inquest.

Tony Cottee during his Norwich City spell

He said: "He absolutely loved his football, we both did. We had season tickets together at West Ham and used to play veterans football against each other too.

"He was a fantastic guy, my best buddy and was a brilliant businessman."

Mr White was a chartered accountant by trade, but also served as chairman of Essex club Heybridge Swifts for seven years when he was instrumental in a project to revamp its home ground.

He also spent a spell as a director for Colchester United.

The court heard that Mr White had a long history of depression and anxiety, for which he was receiving weekly outreach support from Mid and North Essex MIND.

Tom Pearce, his son-in-law, said that shortly before his death, he had moved house to Boxted, near Colchester, with the hopes that a new start would help with his wellbeing - and appeared to be making positive steps.

He said: "He said he hoped moving house would be a catalyst.

"Unfortunately, this was not to be the case and the improvements had made before must have been because he knew he was closer to finding peace."

Area coroner Samantha Goward concluded that his death was suicide.

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