Southampton grandfather died in fall from block of flats, inquest told

Former construction worker Kevin Gillespie, 59, died after the fall from Sturminster House on Irving Road. 

A coroner ruled his death was a suicide but said this act was "completely out of the blue".

Flowers left outside Sturminster House, Southampton (Image: NQ)

Speaking to his family at the hearing at Winchester Coroner's Court, coroner Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp said: "We know because all of you have said the same thing that Kevin had had depression for a long time.

"He had actually been in good form until a visit to family in Manchester in January 2023.

"That triggered a decline in his mental health. He had this sort of breakdown going down in the background.

"When he was down it shows how down he got. When he did this he wasn’t thinking. We will never know why he deteriorated."

READ MORE: Southampton: Flowers laid at Sturminster House after man's death

She said his decision to take his own life was "completely out of the blue," with Kevin having "never expressed an intention in all his years of mental health problems".

Speaking at the inquest, his daughter Amy said her father had lost his twin brother in recent years and although he had a big family, he would only stay in touch with a few of them.

Describing him, she said: "I’m not aware of anyone who would not get on with my dad."

Kevin was identified when Amy's partner Chris went to the block after the couple received a phone call informing them of what happened.

Chris said: "This incident is so out of character."

His wife, Barbara, added: "I hope he is at peace now."

Concluding the inquest into his death, Ms Rhodes-Kemp said Kevin had intended to end his life at that moment. 

• When life is difficult, support from Samaritans is available. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.