A CORONER recorded an open verdict on a father-of-two found hanging from a tree in West End.

Tests on Alex Loader, 27, of Whitebeam Road, Hedge End, revealed that he was three times over the drink-drive limit.

Because his judgement would have been impaired, it was impossible to tell if he meant to take his life, deputy Central Hampshire coroner Simon Burge ruled.

At the inquest, held in Winchester, relatives said the former Wildern School pupil struggled with depression.

He tackled several jobs, but never found one that he liked.

The inquest also heard that he had an on-off relationship for six years with Lena Paige from Bursledon.

She said they had two children and a third was expected, but she miscarried. She added that she was separated from Mr Loader when he died earlier this year.

His sister, Sally, said the miscarriage was a turning point, as he became more depressed and drank heavily.

His other sister, Carey, said he missed doctor's appointments and failed to take antidepressants he was given.

His family reported him missing on March 27 and later that day, police found him in secluded woodland near the M27.

The coroner said: "Tragically, despite the best efforts of his family, and others that he knew, it clearly wasn't enough.

"He was a private individual who struggled to cope with the situation he found himself in."