A Hampshire man who was going through a marriage break up was found dead in a New Forest car park.

Russell Morgan was found dead in his car in Marchwood Enclosure car park by a dog walker.

Winchester Coroner’s Court heard the engine of his red Volkswagen was still running and loud church-like music was playing.

Passerby Rachel Carrington told the court in a statement that, at around 8.30am, she saw a man slumped forward in the driver’s seat.

“I was scared to approach the car on my own,” she said.

“Another man approached me in his car and spoke to me.”

She added that the man, Robert Hallman, then approached the car and attempted to resuscitate Mr Morgan.

Ms Carrington phoned for an ambulance.

However, the 56-year-old, of Mayvale Close, Marchwood, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Morgan’s wife, Maureen, told the court her husband had attempted suicide multiple times in the past.

However she believed this was emotional blackmail to win her back after telling him she wanted a divorce.

“I was in complete shock,” she said.

“I never thought he would do it.

“I thought it was all emotional blackmail to get me back.”

The customer assistant told his wife he was going to visit family the night before he was found.

In a text sent at 7.04am on the day of his death, he said: “I am so sorry I was not who who you wanted me to be.”

Senior coroner Grahame Short recorded a conclusion of suicide.