A much-loved army veteran was found dead in a woodland by a dog walker after taking his own life, an inquest has heard.
Ash Annett, a father-of-one who served in Afghanistan, was discovered near Auckland Crescent in Dover.
The inquest was told the 34-year-old groundworker had last been heard from the night before his death, when he messaged his mum but made no “cries for help”.
Later attempts to contact him went unanswered – though this was not considered unusual.
He was found the next day, February 18, and pronounced dead at the scene.
Coroner Katrina Hepburn told the hearing at Oakwood House, Maidstone: “I’ve reviewed text messages between him and his mother, which largely suggest nothing untoward.
“He’s discussing where he’s going, what his plans are for dinner.
“There is nothing to suggest that he is in any mental health difficulties or that any expectation of what subsequently came to pass.
“I don’t have any evidence as to what he was doing between that point and him being found on the 18th by the member of the public.
“It is clear, however, that he has driven a short way from his home address to this location near Auckland Crescent.”
Police were told Mr Annett had no officially diagnosed medical or mental health issues, but did have a debt that he had needed help paying off. He had also previously attempted to take his own life three years before his death.
There was nothing of note on his mobile phone. His laptop and tablet could not be accessed, though the investigating officer said it was often the case that data is shared between all three devices.
In her conclusion, the coroner said: “It’s an area that is hidden from public view but is frequented, it seems, by dog walkers on their way to a field nearby.
“I’m very careful with considering intention, because people do things for all sorts of reasons.
“He didn’t send any messages that I’m aware of, or any cries for help, so it’s not likely to be the case that he wanted to be rescued and found.
“[But] given also his history, that this wasn’t the first time he’d attempted such a thing, I think it is likely that people would know what the outcome would be.
“On the balance of probability, I am satisfied that he had the required intent. When he did this act, he intended to take his own life.”
Following Mr Annett’s death, a fundraiser was set up to pay for a special memorial bench.
Katie Moore, who set up the JustGiving page, wrote: “Ash heartbreakingly lost his life in February due to his own struggles with mental health and his loss has been devastating. To honour his memory, we are fundraising for a lasting tribute in his name.”
Her mother Louise ran the London Marathon to raise funds, with £2,351 in total being donated to Legend on a Bench.
The charity installs benches that are discreetly inscribed with a QR code, which opens up an array of supporting organisations for mental health issues and suicide awareness.
Mental health problems can affect any of us at any time in our lives.
When life gets tough, talking can help.
Call the Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123, or chat in confidence to a trained Release the Pressure adviser, anytime, just text the word SHOUT to 85258 or call 0800 107 0160.
For details about other mental health support in Kent and Medway, including Amparo who provide support to anyone bereaved by suicide, please visit kent.gov.uk/mentalhealth
