A ROMSEY man was found dead in woodland after struggling with the mental effects of a severe head injury sustained in a cycling crash, an inquest heard. 

Jason Mark Thomas, of Priestlands, died on May 27 at Bolderwood, New Forest.

The inquest heard that Mr Thomas, 53, had suffered the injury in June 2021 on the Humber Bridge near Hull.

Afterward, he experienced frequent and severe mood swings and could not cope with his emotions.

The inquest in Winchester, on November 1, heard that he was last seen by his family on May 25.

He left in his car and was reported missing to the police after he didn't return. His body was found in the New Forest.

Shortly before he died, Mr Thomas resigned from his job as a technical engineer.

The inquest heard that he had been finding his job more difficult since the accident.

Despite his initial resignation, he attempted to rejoin shortly after, but this was refused. 

Area coroner Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp read out a statement from Mr Thomas's son.

It said: "I had been out with friends, and when I came home dad wasn't there. I thought he could have been out cycling. I tried to call him but it went straight to voicemail. 

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"I know that in 2021 he had a bike accident was he was blown into a metal post on the Humber Bridge causing a severe head injury. I did notice a difference in him after the accident."

A statement provided by Mr Thomas's wife Natsima Thomas was also read out. It said: "His mood fluctuated after the accident and he suffered from anxiety. I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary on May 25."

The inquest heard that Mr Thomas felt he was being given an unreasonable amount of work. After his accident, he returned to full-time work in December 2021.

He sought help from various practitioners regarding his mental health. However, giving practical help was difficult due to his mood swings.

Mrs Rhodes-Kemp said: "I'm very sorry this has happened. It would have helped if he received more specialist support."

She recorded that the cause of death was suicide.

For help or support with bereavement in Winchester and the surrounding areas, go to winchesterbereavementsupport.org.uk.

If you would like any help with bereavement, loss, or mental wellbeing, here are some helpline numbers: Call Samaritans at 116 123, Cruse Bereavement Care 0808 808 1677 cruse.org.uk or Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) 0300 111 5065 uksobs.org