Inquest into Basingstoke father found dead in Southampton

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Sam Lovett, of West Ham Close, Basingstoke, was found lifeless on his 30th birthday in a wooded area between the Alpine Snowsports centre and Vermont Close on June 12 last year.

At Winchester Coroner’s Court on July 9, area coroner Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp offered her condolences to his family, including his wife and young son.

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The court heard how Mr Lovett had been persuaded to drink at the wedding on June 9, 2024 – something he did not usually do, although many people remarked how happy he looked.

On June 11, he was reported missing by his wife, who had been calling him with no answer. She then discovered a voice message from Mr Lovett saying, “I’m sorry, I love you.”

The police then located him at his old family home in Southampton and he returned home at around 8pm.

“He was not in a good place,” said his wife.

The couple sat and talked for a while and then they went to sleep.

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His wife planned to take the following day, June 12, off work, and she dropped their son off with their child minder in the morning.

On coming home, however, Mr Lovett had disappeared, leaving the house in a mess, which she said was very unusual for him.

The court heard how Mr Lovett first developed symptoms of depression in 2013 after his brother died from pneumonia.

Things had seemed to take a positive turn, however, in the months before his death.

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Mr Lovett worked for Axis Fire and Security Services, a company based in Hedge End.

A work colleague said Sam had told him he was happy at work, but suffered from anxiety.

Ms Rhodes-Kemp concluded that Mr Lovett died by suicide.

She added: “I’m just very sorry for the circumstances leading up to this tragedy and my condolences to the family.

“Clearly, there had been quite a lot of trauma in his childhood, with the death of his brother. For whatever reason, Sam Lovett had become very anxious and depressed.”

Call Samaritans on 116 123 for support



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