John McLoughlin

I am Gareth JONES, Assistant Coroner for the coroner area of West Sussex, Brighton and Hove

On 21 July 2023 I commenced an investigation into the death of John Peter MCLOUGHLIN aged 44. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 06 March 2025. The conclusion of the inquest was that: John Peter McLoughlin was a Pilot employed by West Atlantic UK.  He was on a training course which he found stressful and highly pressurised.  He had a fear of failing the course. He was staying at a Hotel in Brighton. On the 19th of July 2023, he hung himself in the bathroom [REDACTED].  There was no third party involvement. The room was closed and he was alone.  He had removed his wedding ring.  He was not under the influence of drink or drugs and there was no evidence of mental illness. [REDACTED]. This caused his death. I find that he did this act which ended his life and did so with the intention of ending his life.

John Peter McLoughlin was a Pilot employed by West Atlantic UK.  He was on a training course which he found stressful and highly pressurised.  He had a fear of failing the course. He was staying at a Hotel in Brighton. On the 19th of July 2023, he hung himself in the bathroom [REDACTED].  There was no third party involvement. The room was closed and he was alone.  He had removed his wedding ring.  He was not under the influence of drink or drugs and there was no evidence of mental illness. [REDACTED]. This caused his death. I find that he did this act which ended his life and did so with the intention of ending his life.

During the course of the investigation my inquiries revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.  In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows: (brief summary of matters of concern) John was an experienced Pilot.  He was on a training course run by Quadrant which he found stressful and with which he struggled.  On the course, mental health issues were discussed.  The support offered was through Peer Support who allow pilots to talk to another pilot who is a trained mental health first aider, but they are not medically trained. Although HM Coroner is of the view that there is great merit in talking through difficulties with those in the same industry, I have concerns that Peer Support is not adequate support for those who are suffering severe mental health difficulties and suicidal thoughts.  It appears that there is not enough support in the industry as a whole for pilots whose problems escalate beyond the usual stresses and pressures of the job.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you (and/or your organisation) have the power to take such action.