A MAN who threw himself from Spider Island bridge in Derby had been visited by bailiffs on the day that he died, an inquest has heard.
Lorne Moss was seen by witnesses to take "two quick, small steps" before "vaulting" over the barriers on the Allenton walkway on February 25, earlier this year.
He suffered multiple injuries when he hit the road and was taken by air ambulance to hospital in Nottingham for treatment.
The 49-year-old underwent several operations to help try to save his life but a "raging infection" took hold, which lead to him dying from multiple-organ failure.
The police investigation into Mr Moss' death found that he had three County Court Judgements against him, two of which were for substantial amounts of money.
Detective Constable Anna Gorman, who conducted the investigation on behalf of Derby and South Derbyshire Coroner's Court, stated that Mr Moss' Experian credit report was not "healthy" and that his expenses were not in a good way at all. He had been visited by bailiffs on the day of his death.
Mr Moss, of Elton Road, Derby, was unemployed at the time of his death but he had previously been a locksmith and had worked all his life. However his life had gone downhill and he had begun drinking several years ago, said DC Gorman.
Assistant Coroner Paul McCandless went as far to say that Mr Moss was "drinking himself to death" given the damage to his body found during the post-mortem examination.
His financial difficulties had caused problems with his friends and family who had "done all they could", according to DC Gorman, to help him.
His son, who had tried to help his father, was left "very badly affected" by his death.
Witness Russell Armstrong, from Chellaston was sat in his car and saw the incident.
He said: "I couldn't work out what was happening to begin with, I thought he was maybe trying to jump from one part of the bridge to the other. I ran over to him and while he was breathing he was not conscious and I covered him with some blankets."
Mr McCandless concluded that Mr Moss had taken his own life. He said: "It is clear that Mr Moss was in a bad way, not withstanding the help of his family.
"He was slowly drinking himself to death."
Mr McCandless said the visit by bailiffs "left him in no uncertainty that he would have to pay £500 for an outstanding debt".
"I make no criticism of the bailiffs, they were simply doing the job that they have to do. It does appear that this was the final straw."
If you have debt and need advice you can call the independent debt advice charity 0800 138 1111.
If you are affected by suicide or need to speak to someone in confidence then you can call Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.
