MYSTERY surrounds the final hours of a man who was hit by a train in Hampshire.

Graham Long died instantly after being hit on the tracks between Shawford and Winchester.

The transportation planning consultant had a history of mental illness, relationship problems and was in significant financial trouble at the time of his death, an inquest has heard.

His brother, Simon Long, said: “Graham was quiet and distant.

“He said he was going to put some money in an account for my son.

“I did not know about his financial troubles.”

The inquest heard how the 45-year-old had attempted to end his life several times while visiting family in Cornwall in the days leading up to his death.

First he was found by his father, then was discovered by police after going missing from his mother’s house a day later.

Psychiatrist Dr Colin Hunter assessed him on December 29, the day before his death.

He told the inquest that Mr Long, of New Malden, Surrey, appeared to be suffering from mild depression and anxiety, but did not appear to be a risk to himself or others at the time.

Police number plate recognition cameras picked up Mr Long’s car travelling towards Hampshire in the early hours of December 29.

His Alpha Romeo was later recovered from a park and ride site in Winchester.

Central Hampshire coroner Grahame Short said: “There was no clear evidence of what happened in the next 24 hours.

“But at some stage Mr Long made his way to the railway line which is close to the car park and stood in the path of an approaching train in the early hours of December 30.”

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