…By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
In a tragic incident, a police officer from the Wrexham rural division, PC Ryan Donaldson, fell to his death from an aqueduct just hours after ending his relationship with his girlfriend and telling his family “sorry for what I am about to do”.
The inquest, which examined the circumstances of his death, revealed that PC Donaldson had been suffering from depression for several years.
The witnesses who saw him fall thought he had landed in the River Dee, but then saw him lying on a path.
His cause of death was listed as multiple injuries.
PC Donaldson, who joined North Wales Police in 2018, was described by his family as “a much loved son and brother who will be greatly missed.”
He was known to be “extremely proud” of serving his community as a police officer and his family stated that his death is a “massive loss to everybody”.
The officer had enjoyed socializing with his friends from the town and his rota colleagues.
On December 11, 2022, shortly after texting his ex-girlfriend “I just can’t be bothered anymore”, he took his own life.
He also sent a text to members of his family apologizing for “what I am about to do.”
Recording a conclusion of suicide, John Gittins, the senior coroner for North Wales East and Central, told PC Donaldson’s sister that “To describe it as a tragedy is inadequate.
Clearly, he had struggled for years but provided a valuable service as a police officer.
It is a massive loss to his family and everybody.”
The incident is a reminder of the importance of mental health and the need for those struggling with depression or any other mental health issues to seek help.
The Samaritans is available for confidential support at 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch.
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