An Asda worker was found dead in a supermarket three days after he died, an inquest has heard. Phillip Huntley's body was discovered by a colleague, prompting the shop to evacuate and shut for one day.
An inquest heard how Mr Huntley last clocked in for work three days before he was found dead. This was also the last time he was seen on CCTV footage.
His body was tragically discovered by a shaken colleague in a staff wellness room which was rarely used. Police at the time said the 55-year-old's death was not being treated as suspicious.
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A coroner has now ruled Mr Huntley intended to take his own life and recorded a conclusion of death by suicide, MirrorOnline reports. Emma Hillson, assistant coroner for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, heard how the dad-of-one was waiting for an appointment for depression and anxiety when he died.
His dad Huw Huntley told the inquest he felt his son should have been deemed high-risk by doctors. He went on to say he believed GPs were not able to determine how at-risk patients were on the basis of a phone call.
Where to get help if you're feeling suicidal
Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.
Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
Other depression charities
Mind is a mental health charity that offers information, support and resources for those that are struggling. They also offer help for young people and those supporting someone in their life with mental health struggles. Call Mind info line on 0300 123 3393.
Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, anonymous mental health text support service. Texting the word 'SHOUT' to 85258 will start a conversation with a trained Shout volunteer, who will text you back and forth.
Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org
There are other depression charities and support you can access. If you are seriously concerned, please call 999.
Mr Huntley had worked at the Asda in Bodmin, Cornwall, for 17 years. He had last clocked in for work on Monday, May 1.
Colleagues reported him having left early on that day, prompting a line manager to make a welfare call but there was no answer. Further concerns were raised when Mr Huntley did not show up for work on Tuesday, May 2.
An employee went to his house to see if he was okay but he was not there. The following two days were Mr Huntley's days off.
His body was discovered on Thursday, May 4. The inquest heard how Mr Huntley had been signed off work with depression twice in the six months leading up to his death - once at the end of 2022 and again in March.
He had a 25-year history of mental health issues and had been diagnosed with depression since 2007. Mr Huntley had referred himself for help on a number of occasions between 2007 and 2023, the court heard.
He also told his GP he was experiencing 'severe' depression, anxiety and signs of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), alongside suicidal thoughts. During a phone call in which this referral was triaged, he asked for 'intensive help'.
At the time of his death, Mr Huntley was not deemed a high-risk patient and was waiting for an assessment with NHS talking therapies at his request. He had self-referred on March 1 and his appointment for June 3 was deemed within target wait times for the service.
He was encouraged to engage with other services in the meantime. He also consented to being referred to wellbeing coaches to support him and they attempted to contact him on two occasions but did not get a response.
Ms Hillson said: "This is on the basis of his long and documented history of depression and anxiety for which he had sought assistance and was awaiting an appointment."
The Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or head to the website to find your nearest branch.
