A popular Southampton city councillor took his own life, an inquest heard.

Terry Streets was found dead in the driver’s seat of his car in a city car park.

His inquest at Winchester Coroners' Court on August 17 heard that Mr Streets had been suffering from chronic depression, for which he was being treated with medication.

This followed the breakdown of his relationship, and it is believed he accumulated ‘considerable debt’ at the date of his death.

It was also heard that Mr Streets had ‘clearly indicated and explained’ an intent to take his own life in messages left for family and friends.

Senior coroner Christopher Wilkinson said that his medical cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning.

He concluded that the death was a suicide.

He said: “There were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a post-mortem examination confirmed that he had died as a result of carbon-monoxide poisoning.”

Mental health support available in Southampton

Tributes poured in for Mr Streets, a Chief Officer at Red Funnel, following his death on August 28 last year.

The ferry company’s flag was flown at half mast as a sign of respect.

Chief Executive Fran Collins said: "Terry was a fantastic, larger-than-life personality, forging many life-long friendships as he touched every department within the business.

"He was such a hardworking individual, who was always offering his help to other crew members and customers.

"He also played a big part in serving the wider community, and he will be sadly missed by the friends and colleagues who were fortunate enough to work with him.

"We offer our support and sincere condolences to Terry’s family and ask that we all support each other with kindness and patience during this time."

Royston Smith, MP for Southampton Itchen, was among those who paid tribute to Mr Streets.

He said: “Terry was quiet, thoughtful and decent. He was dedicated to his family and the residents he represented on the City Council.

“Those who know me and knew Terry will understand why I held him in such high regard.

“I cannot imagine how his family and friends are coping but my thoughts are very much with them. Terry is at peace now."

  • If you are affected by any issues mentioned in this report, contact the Samaritans 24/7 on the free helpline 116 123.