Thomas Kingston

I am Katy Skerrett, Senior Coroner for Gloucestershire.

On the  26 th February 2024 I commenced an investigation into the death of Thomas Henry Robin Kingston. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on the 3 rd December 2024. The conclusion of the inquest was a narrative conclusion; see below Mr Kingston took his own life using a shotgun which a caused a severe traumatic wound to the head. Intent remains unclear as the deceased was suffering from adverse effects of medications he had recently been prescribed. The medical cause of death was 1A Traumatic wound to head.

The deceased was a 45 year old man who was visiting his parents in Kemble Gloucestershire for the weekend. He had recently been experiencing anxiety, but had not expressed any suicidal ideation. On Sunday 25 th February 2024 after lunch he began to unload his car, and prepared to return to London. Between approximately  1700-1800 hours he removed a shotgun from his vehicle which he had recently borrowed from his father for a shoot. He then accessed an annex attached to his parent’s property. Within a locked bathroom he self inflicted a gun shot to the head, and sustained injuries incompatible with life. He was subsequently found by his father. He was pronounced deceased at 1854 hours by attending police, who confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows.  –

1. Whether there is adequate communication of the risks of suicide associated with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications, and
2. Whether the current guidance to persist with SSRI medication or switch to an alternative SSRI medication is appropriate when no benefit has been achieved and/ or especially when any adverse side effects are being experienced.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action.