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Postman dies in Itchen Bridge plunge


A POPULAR Hampshire postman took his life by jumping off the Itchen Bridge, an inquest heard.

The body of 25-year-old Jamie Doidge was pulled from the River Itchen in the early hours of December 8.

Southampton Coroner's Court was told Mr Doidge had recently broken up with his boyfriend who had dropped him at Bursledon train station on the day he died.

Click below to see a video of today's headlines in sixty seconds

But instead of catching a train home, the former Bridgemary Community School pupil booked in to a hotel room at the Premier Inn in Park Gate and wrote a letter to his family and friends apologising for taking his own life.

He then caught the train to Woolston in Southampton and walked to the Itchen Bridge before jumping to his death.

Pathologist Sanjay Jogai said a post mortem examination had shown Mr Doidge died from drowning.

Coroner Keith Wiseman recorded a verdict that Mr Doidge, of St Michael's Gardens, Fareham, took his own life.

Following his death, Mr Doidge's parents Angela and Chris, from Gosport, said he went "out of his way to help people" and loved music and dance.

They added that they wished he had been able to talk his problems through with somebody before the tragedy.

Comments(40)

freemantlegirl2 says...
8:52am Thu 21 Jan 10

Really sad :( :( RIP mate. We must do more to stop these deaths. I wonder how that lady is getting on with her campaign?

stickymcglue says...
9:17am Thu 21 Jan 10

The itchen Bridge should have be fitted with barred railings years and years ago , they would preserve the view , yet save lives....

colinpickford1 says...
9:47am Thu 21 Jan 10

stickymcglue wrote:
The itchen Bridge should have be fitted with barred railings years and years ago , they would preserve the view , yet save lives....
You cant blame the bridge. Desperate people will always find the means to take their own lives. Its the one thing they feel they still have control over.

Brite Spark says...
10:37am Thu 21 Jan 10

Wasn't this the night that people could hear someone's cries for help on the Woolston side of the Itchen, but the police persistently searched on the town side for some reason, despite bystanders telling them to look around the Vospers area?

Big Mac says...
11:45am Thu 21 Jan 10

Spokesman for the Animals wrote:
Sorry did i read this right he spilt up with his boyfriend?
You read it as it was written; what don't you understand?

Lovebird says...
11:48am Thu 21 Jan 10

Big Mac wrote:
Spokesman for the Animals wrote: Sorry did i read this right he spilt up with his boyfriend?
You read it as it was written; what don't you understand?
Thats exactly what I was thinking Big Mac.

Poor lad, RIP :(

cannonball says...
11:58am Thu 21 Jan 10

Brite Spark wrote:
Wasn't this the night that people could hear someone's cries for help on the Woolston side of the Itchen, but the police persistently searched on the town side for some reason, despite bystanders telling them to look around the Vospers area?
Anyone else got any more info on this?

soton-mike80 says...
12:08pm Thu 21 Jan 10

Such a sad and tragic story - my condolences to the family

Brite Spark says...
12:23pm Thu 21 Jan 10

cannonball wrote:
Brite Spark wrote:
Wasn't this the night that people could hear someone's cries for help on the Woolston side of the Itchen, but the police persistently searched on the town side for some reason, despite bystanders telling them to look around the Vospers area?
Anyone else got any more info on this?
Found it cannonball, the story I remembered was from way back in March, also happened at about 10 pm

Eye witnesses see man enter water from Itchen Bridge
11:10am Wednesday 4th March 2009

So there is no direct link to today's story.

Twisted Nipple says...
1:18pm Thu 21 Jan 10

Why was my post about the disruption suicides on that bridge cause for motorists removed? It was a valid point... when someone jumps off that bridge, it can be closed for hours, causing absolute chaos.

Ted Rogers says...
1:26pm Thu 21 Jan 10

Twisted Nipple wrote:
Why was my post about the disruption suicides on that bridge cause for motorists removed? It was a valid point... when someone jumps off that bridge, it can be closed for hours, causing absolute chaos.
It was probably removed as it was deemed as insensitive and irrelevant when compared to a sad loss of a young life.

Pick a different story to comment upon the life changing disruption that being stuck in a traffic jam can cause.

Spokesman for the Animals says...
1:35pm Thu 21 Jan 10

I dont like the headline it makes it sound likeit happened this morning.

Twisted Nipple says...
1:41pm Thu 21 Jan 10

Ted Rogers wrote:
Twisted Nipple wrote: Why was my post about the disruption suicides on that bridge cause for motorists removed? It was a valid point... when someone jumps off that bridge, it can be closed for hours, causing absolute chaos.
It was probably removed as it was deemed as insensitive and irrelevant when compared to a sad loss of a young life. Pick a different story to comment upon the life changing disruption that being stuck in a traffic jam can cause.
I was late for work this morning due to a traffic jam, if this happens much more then possibly I could get the sack... which would indeed be a life-changing disruption. I am sure there are other places which would suffice as suicide spots but wouldn't disrupt the lives of innocent members of the public.

Ted Rogers says...
1:52pm Thu 21 Jan 10

Twisted Nipple wrote:
Ted Rogers wrote:
Twisted Nipple wrote: Why was my post about the disruption suicides on that bridge cause for motorists removed? It was a valid point... when someone jumps off that bridge, it can be closed for hours, causing absolute chaos.
It was probably removed as it was deemed as insensitive and irrelevant when compared to a sad loss of a young life. Pick a different story to comment upon the life changing disruption that being stuck in a traffic jam can cause.
I was late for work this morning due to a traffic jam, if this happens much more then possibly I could get the sack... which would indeed be a life-changing disruption. I am sure there are other places which would suffice as suicide spots but wouldn't disrupt the lives of innocent members of the public.
Maybe you should think about a little personal organisation and set off a little earlier for work; then the chances of it happening 'much more', would be less.

S!mon says...
1:58pm Thu 21 Jan 10

I can't believe there are idiots like Twisted Nipple out there.

You may get the sack, but at least you're alive.

When you do get sacked, which sounds like its going to happen sooner or later, I hope you don't fall into a spiral of depression and consider taking your own life.

Twisted Nipple says...
2:02pm Thu 21 Jan 10

I set off for work 40 minutes for what should be a 10 minute drive. Are you seriously suggesting that I should set off even earlier? Surely this would be unreasonable.

colinpickford1 says...
2:04pm Thu 21 Jan 10

Whoooooooo people. I think twisted is pulling chains here. Dont encourage unwanted behavior. Its one of the first things to learn when dealing with naughty children. Aint that right nipple?

Twisted Nipple says...
2:07pm Thu 21 Jan 10

I am not meaning to cause offence. Just simply saying that something needs to be done on the Itchen Bridge to prevent people from jumping off trying to jump off it as it causes massive disruption to the city. Sorry if I caused any offenct.

Treble9 says...
2:08pm Thu 21 Jan 10

If it's only a 10 minute drive maybe you should get off your fat arse and walk then.....

S!mon says...
2:09pm Thu 21 Jan 10

Twisted Nipple wrote:
I set off for work 40 minutes for what should be a 10 minute drive. Are you seriously suggesting that I should set off even earlier? Surely this would be unreasonable.
You only live 10mins car journey away and work in Southampton?

So you pay for using the toll bridge, pay for petrol, pay for parking (I assume)? Surely, taking the bus would be more cost effective?

Ted Rogers says...
2:10pm Thu 21 Jan 10

Twisted Nipple wrote:
I set off for work 40 minutes for what should be a 10 minute drive. Are you seriously suggesting that I should set off even earlier? Surely this would be unreasonable.
Too many cars on the road. A 10 minute car journey into town is probably a forty minute walk max.

Health benefits, environmentally sound and guaranteeing you are never late ergo protecting your employment.

Free advice, no thanks required.

Twisted Nipple says...
2:26pm Thu 21 Jan 10

S!mon wrote:
Twisted Nipple wrote: I set off for work 40 minutes for what should be a 10 minute drive. Are you seriously suggesting that I should set off even earlier? Surely this would be unreasonable.
You only live 10mins car journey away and work in Southampton? So you pay for using the toll bridge, pay for petrol, pay for parking (I assume)? Surely, taking the bus would be more cost effective?
Come on Simon, you are being a bit disrespectful to the poor chap but discussing traffic costs on this story, aren't you?

Big Mac says...
2:29pm Thu 21 Jan 10

Twisted Nipple wrote:
I am not meaning to cause offence. Just simply saying that something needs to be done on the Itchen Bridge to prevent people from jumping off trying to jump off it as it causes massive disruption to the city. Sorry if I caused any offenct.
As your job is so important to you and you're expressing concern about being able to keep it, may I suggest you get on with it, rather than trying to back-track on here.

Spokesman for the Animals says...
3:27pm Thu 21 Jan 10

Post was bad enuogh that week what with strikes and stuff before christmas

S!mon says...
3:32pm Thu 21 Jan 10

Twisted Nipple wrote:
S!mon wrote:
Twisted Nipple wrote: I set off for work 40 minutes for what should be a 10 minute drive. Are you seriously suggesting that I should set off even earlier? Surely this would be unreasonable.
You only live 10mins car journey away and work in Southampton? So you pay for using the toll bridge, pay for petrol, pay for parking (I assume)? Surely, taking the bus would be more cost effective?
Come on Simon, you are being a bit disrespectful to the poor chap but discussing traffic costs on this story, aren't you?
Yes, I am. Apologies to the family. My sincerest condolescences.

Twisted Nipple you're still an idiot though.

shaving your pubes is so 2010 says...
4:42pm Thu 21 Jan 10

it says he "had recently broken up with his boyfriend"
is this a typo?
He is a man right?

colinpickford1 says...
4:55pm Thu 21 Jan 10

shaving your pubes is so 2010 wrote:
it says he "had recently broken up with his boyfriend"
is this a typo?
He is a man right?
And your point is??????????????????
??

King Mush says...
5:26pm Thu 21 Jan 10

stickymcglue wrote:
The itchen Bridge should have be fitted with barred railings years and years ago , they would preserve the view , yet save lives....
Maybe a 12' high fence with barbed wire on top might deter a few would be suicides? Not practical in the real world and there are, sadly, a number of well known jumping spots all over the world. You will not be able to prevent this unfortunate 'way out' for some.

Another tragic waste of a life.


We've had far too many incidents on the bridge and spare a thought for those who have to clean up after a dry land impact.

King Mush says...
5:30pm Thu 21 Jan 10

stickymcglue wrote:
The itchen Bridge should have be fitted with barred railings years and years ago , they would preserve the view , yet save lives....
Maybe a 12' high fence with barbed wire on top might deter a few would be suicides? Not practical in the real world and there are, sadly, a number of well known jumping spots all over the world. You will not be able to prevent this unfortunate 'way out' for some.

Another tragic waste of a life.


We've had far too many incidents on the bridge and spare a thought for those who have to clean up after a dry land impact.

Brite Spark says...
5:43pm Thu 21 Jan 10

King Mush wrote:
stickymcglue wrote:
The itchen Bridge should have be fitted with barred railings years and years ago , they would preserve the view , yet save lives....
Maybe a 12' high fence with barbed wire on top might deter a few would be suicides? Not practical in the real world and there are, sadly, a number of well known jumping spots all over the world. You will not be able to prevent this unfortunate 'way out' for some.

Another tragic waste of a life.


We've had far too many incidents on the bridge and spare a thought for those who have to clean up after a dry land impact.
I agree with KM and I don't mean this in an insensitive way however, at least he had the foresite not to throw himself under one of the trains he used that day, or off the bridge into the mud at low tide.

matts says...
8:54pm Thu 21 Jan 10

Ted Rogers wrote:
Twisted Nipple wrote:
Ted Rogers wrote:
Twisted Nipple wrote: Why was my post about the disruption suicides on that bridge cause for motorists removed? It was a valid point... when someone jumps off that bridge, it can be closed for hours, causing absolute chaos.
It was probably removed as it was deemed as insensitive and irrelevant when compared to a sad loss of a young life. Pick a different story to comment upon the life changing disruption that being stuck in a traffic jam can cause.
I was late for work this morning due to a traffic jam, if this happens much more then possibly I could get the sack... which would indeed be a life-changing disruption. I am sure there are other places which would suffice as suicide spots but wouldn't disrupt the lives of innocent members of the public.
Maybe you should think about a little personal organisation and set off a little earlier for work; then the chances of it happening 'much more', would be less.
what a complete and utter senceless thing to say!!!! lets hope you never feel suicidle in a time in your life Twisted nipple!!!! just Twisted springs to mind..lets try to remmember that he was somebodys son..would you be saying that if he was a close relation to you..as for work find another job..unless they have found a cure for death i have not heard off you cant replace life.. thats obviouse and i cant believe i am having to say it..there is nothing wrong with the bridge as people will find other methods of killing themselfs as they do..its there choice if they decide that they can no longer carry on and its the only way out...thats just like sombody saying that they were late for work because somebody jumped on to the train track at woolston station...you have to be kidding me if you really think this way and if you do then your a complete and utter ****

Dogsmeat says...
9:30pm Thu 21 Jan 10

There's going to be fencing installed very soon just some politics in the council over which departments financing it, there will also be a camera installed at the top of the bridge which the feeds are being installed as we speak.

alabaster says...
10:10pm Thu 21 Jan 10

Lets hope the family of this young person don't see this thread and if they do that they understand that Twisted Nipple is desparate for attention - you see his posts, then you realise what he is doing, and then see clearly that if he is an adult he needs some form of mental health support. Only someone with a severe emotional maturity problem would do what he is doing. Well done to those who read him and don't give him the attention he wants (especially on this thread in respect for this boy's family).

Lovebird says...
9:23am Fri 22 Jan 10

shaving your pubes is so 2010 wrote:
it says he "had recently broken up with his boyfriend" is this a typo? He is a man right?
Yes, he is a man, thats what the article states. You may not be aware but men are allowed to date men and it is no more surprising than it would be if it said "girlfriend".

carly_marie says...
10:06am Fri 22 Jan 10

I thinnk you are all very bloody insensitive!! Think about the poor lads family before you start ranting and raving about something so trivial as being late for work!!

You all need to take a long hard look at yourselves and learn theres a time and a place for these discussions.....AND THIS IS NOT IT!!!

I do apolgise to any friends and family who read this, but I had to say it!!

My thoughts go out to all those that knew him.

King Mush says...
11:24am Fri 22 Jan 10

Simple advice- Dont feed the trolls - just ignore them and they will eventually slither off to another forum.

We're not all 'insensitive' - quite the opposite I think you'll find and many of our hearts go out to the family and friends of this young lad albeit from an anonymous distance.


He was more of a man than the pathetic people who feel the need to make ill-judged 'comments' via this or any other outlet.

carly_marie says...
1:29pm Fri 22 Jan 10

cockney boy....could you be anymore out of order? i life has been lost....it doesnt matter how it was done....it was done, end if story!! think of his friends and family who might read your comments!! and calling him a poof is lowest of the low! you are a horrible person!! you should be ashamed

cockney boy says...
1:46pm Fri 22 Jan 10

you all say think of his family ? did he do that just before he jumped no , suicide is a selfish act because other people have to clear up after . so who is thinking of who when they decide to end there life !!!!!!!

King Mush says...
4:50pm Fri 22 Jan 10

cockney boy wrote:
you all say think of his family ? did he do that just before he jumped no , suicide is a selfish act because other people have to clear up after . so who is thinking of who when they decide to end there life !!!!!!!
I guess you are a trained psychiatrist and know all about the minds of those less well balanced than us?


There are several ways of taking one's own life but some choose a 'dramatic' route. Often leaving someone to literally pick up the pieces and most likely affect their own state of mind.


As you quite rightly say - maybe a degree of not considering the consequences but I think that this is overshadowed by depths of despair.

We all tend to fall in and out of love over a lifetime but it's tragic when hearing of how these often temporary phases lead to such measures. Doors open and close with most of us coping then moving on to someone else. For better- for worse? Who knows but life is too short anyway and this young lad's demise is even more shocking.

matts says...
7:49pm Fri 22 Jan 10

cockney boy wrote:
you all say think of his family ? did he do that just before he jumped no , suicide is a selfish act because other people have to clear up after . so who is thinking of who when they decide to end there life !!!!!!!
untill you have been there for yourself,you cant make a comment like that cockney boy..well you can but i'd say you need to see the bigger picture


Daily Echo Postman dies in Itchen Bridge plunge

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