AN INQUEST has heard how a long-serving soldier who was found dead in a children's play area had suffered with mental health problems.

Wesley McDonnell, a man described as “warm hearted” and “one in a million”, was found dead at the park at 7.50am on the morning of Sunday, January 26.

A platoon sergeant, Wesley, 35, had served in the military for nearly 20 years. This included in Cyprus, Germany, the Falkland Islands, Kenya, Canada, twice in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Coroner’s officer David Woodroofe told the inquest that on the morning of Sunday, January 26 a woman “had been walking her dog through Queens Park, St Helens when she discovered Wesley's body inside the children’s playground area”.

He added that the death “wasn’t being treated as suspicious” by police.

St Helens Star:

Mr McDonnell had been “in effect on a sabbatical” from his service in the army, the hearing heard. He had suffered from “mental health and alcohol-related problems since about 2016”.

Mr Woodroofe added that a pathologist report showed a “presence of alcohol” in his system to “produce a sense of intoxication”.

Delivering her verdict, senior coroner Julie Goulding said: “Wesley McDonnell had been a sergeant in the British Army. He had suffered with mental health and alcohol-related problems since about 2016.”

She added: “The police were satisfied there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

“On the evidence available Wesley McDonnell took his own life. My conclusion as to the death is that of suicide.”

St Helens Star:

READ > Tributes to 'warm hearted' soldier Wesley

In tribute to Wesley after his passing, a close friend said to the Star: "I would describe him as the best.

"He was a strong man, he was fun and had a good character. He was very warm-hearted and would do anything for everyone.

"He was one in a million.

"Wesley was a family member, a friend, a soldier and he was loved by many people he had met throughout his army life.”

St Helens Star:

In September, St Helens South and Whiston MP Marie Rimmer spoke in Parliament about Wesley’s death in a call to the Minister of Defence for greater support for personnel.

READ > MP calls for greater support for military personnel

She said: "This brave man served and defended our nation for almost 20 years and sadly there are still many others like him.

"Could the minister please commit to further improve the spirit of the Armed Forces Covenant by tasking the MoJ to develop a health and wellbeing pathway, including assessment, diagnosis and commission of the mental health needs of our brave men and women prior to discharge so they have the treatment ready."

Where to go for support

If you need someone to talk to you can contact Samaritans on 116123, or you want to write down your thoughts and feelings email jo@samaritans.org. There is a response time of 24 hours.

Local support for veterans:

No Duff is run by a former British Army Veteran.

To contact them visit.

www.no-duff.com

noduffinfo@gmail.com

24hr Helpline 07944440356

Facebook No Duff UK.