A FATHER-OF-TWO opened up about his deteriorating mental health less than 24 hours before he was struck by a train.

Oliver Cousins, from Witney, died by suicide in Shipton-under-Wychwood early on January 4.

An inquest into his death concluded on Tuesday at Oxford Coroner’s Court, which heard the 32-year-old had appeared ‘low’ on the afternoon of January 3.

Later that evening, the painter and decorator emailed psychotherapist Cate Potter, saying: “I’m contacting you as I’m going through a tough time.

“I haven’t felt depression in a long time, not like this.”

Read also: Man hid phone between buttocks before checking into prison

The inquest heard that at 10pm that evening the Oxford-born father went to buy milk.

His wife Laura had gone to bed, but woke to find him missing.

Mrs Cousins called family members and the police, with officers notifying her at 10am the next day that a man matching her husband’s description had been hit by a train near the Lyneham railway crossing.

Read also: Cat loses leg in savage dog attack

The court heard how train driver Kimberley Jerham saw a ‘lone, white male’ standing close to the line as she approached, but could not stop in time.

Mr Cousins, who had two young daughters, had suffered episodes of anxiety and depression since 2011.

In 2014, he was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), with his wife previously saying that he did not receive the support and understanding he needed.

Mr Cousins had previously discussed stress at work and how to manage his ADHD with Dr Timothy Budge, his GP at Witney’s Windrush Medical Practice.

He had been with his wife since they were teenagers, but gave ‘no indication of suicidal thoughts’, according to Mrs Cousins.

Read also: Hundreds attend Black Lives Matter protest in Oxford

She added: “Ol was a loving, family-orientated man and would do anything to protect us.

“The best of his qualities will live on through his children.

“He was a character and unforgettable to most people that met him. He had a great sense of humour and thrived on making others laugh.

“Ol had many friends and offered a supportive, non-judgemental ear. He was the greatest, most lovely friend.”

Before he was a painter and decorator, Mr Cousins had worked as a carer for ten years, including with vulnerable adults.

Read also: Friend could not revive chef after drug overdose

His wife added: “In our opinion Ol’s heart was too big to suffer the heartaches of this world.

“We’re all forever grateful that our lives were blessed by such a wonderful person.”

A statement from his mother, Sheela, added: “I can only speak about him with love and pride as the amazing son he was since he arrived in my arms.”

The cause of death was given as multiple injuries, with Oxfordshire coroner Darren Salter recording a verdict of suicide.

Mrs Cousins’ sister, Daniela Devren, set up a GoFundMe page following Mr Cousins’s death, which has raised £2,705 for suicide prevention charity CALM (The Campaign Against Living Miserably).

  • Anyone struggling or feeling suicidal can call the Samaritans on 116 123.