A MAN leapt to his death from the Itchen Bridge hours after being suspended from his job.

Richard Green died as a result of the impact with water.

Winchester corners court heard how hours earlier the campaign manager had been told by his employer that he was under investigation and should not return to work.

He then caught a train from his home in Croydon to Southampton on the evening of November 22.

His friend Sally Spurr said that Mr Green had previously stated during a conversation in 2014 that he wished to end his life, and had made plans but not acted on them.

However, at the time of his death she did not believe Mr Green was suicidal.

“When I last saw him we shared a takeaway at his flat. He said it was the kind of place he could start a family in. He was very hopeful,” she said.

Rachael Massingham witnessed Mr Green jumping from the bridge at just after 10.30pm on November 23.

She told the inquest: “I saw a well-dressed man. He leapt off the bridge like Superman.”

Ms Massingham then called the emergency services. Coastguard were dispatched to search for Mr Green for several hours but their efforts were hampered by high winds.

PC Carla Pearce said that a handwritten suicide note was found in Mr Green’s backpack which was recovered from the bridge.

The following morning Mr Green’s body was found by dog walker Martin Carr, washed up on the shore at Chessel Bay, in Bitterne.

Police were called and Mr Green’s death was confirmed at the scene.

His mother, Gillian Green, who lives in Sholing, said that they were a close family and she would speak to her son several times a week and was not aware of his depression.

“Thinking back I think he just didn’t want to worry me,” she said.

“I’m sorry that Richard was left so alone and I’m sorry he felt that way.”

Senior coroner Grahame Short said: “Richard was suffering from depression that was not being treated but his actions stemmed from his suspension from work.”

Mr Short concluded that Mr Green’s death was suicide.

After the inquest his family released the following statement: “Richard was a much-loved son and brother. He was intelligent, loyal and deeply caring about his family and friends.

“We are devastated by his loss but we are immensely proud of the way he lived his life. We are certain that he made the world a better place during the 36 years in which he lived.”

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