MYSTERY surrounds why a popular sportsman took his own life.

The body of Alastair Keir, secretary of Lymington Rowing Club, was discovered in woodland near Emery Down in the New Forest. But an inquest failed to find out why the 35-year-old electrician hanged himself near Highland Water car park.

Shortly before his death on August 17 of this year, the inquest heard he had complained to his family about his work life and prospects.

Yet the coroner’s court was told his decision to take his own life came out of the blue. Southampton Coroner Keith Wiseman, who recorded a verdict that Mr Keir killed himself, said that he could find nothing “remotely relevant”.

He said: “There is no explanation whatsoever for what occurred, just this slight reference to feeling a little bit down.”

Tests found no traces of drugs or alcohol and his GP reported no mental or physical health problems. Tributes paid at the time of his death described Mr Keir as “kind, giving and adventurous”.

He first joined the Lymington Rowing Club aged 15 as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

Traveller Mr Keir, of Lower Buckland Road, Lymington, was a keen traveller who went on a round-the-world trip after university.

Shortly after returning he resumed his links with the rowing club, winning the juvenile senior championship in 2000 and four consecutive senior pairs championships from 2003.

In 2006 he travelled to China by train and spent six weeks teaching English, as well as visiting Nepal and Everest base camps.

Returning home he took over as rowing club secretary and had many friends.

In 2010 he ran the Paris marathon in aid of the Mines Advisory Group and the Macular Disease Society.

Mr Keir, who was born in Inverness, Scotland, lived with his parents, Colin and Anne, and younger brother Andrew.