Mum and dad issue emotional plea after tragic death of Simonstone man (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Mum and dad issue emotional plea after tragic death of Simonstone man

1:43pm Saturday 7th January 2012 in Simonstone By Peter Magill, Chief reporter

THE heartbroken mum and dad of a talented engineer who hanged himself have made an emotional plea to parents.

George Howarth, 25, of Simonstone, was found in his flat in London after sending a series of text messages to his ex-girlfriend, an inquest heard.

Speaking outside Westminster Coroner's Court, his parents Maureen Howarth, a teacher at Sir John Thursby College and Bowland High, and Steven said: "He was a lovely son - he had everything going for him.

“Our message to all the parents out there is - do they know what their children are doing?”

The former Clitheroe Grammar School student, who used to work for BMP Europe at Altham, had moved from his home in Whins Lane to London to be nearer to his ex-partner Charlotte Wilson.

An inquest heard that before his death in November, the Burnley FC fan had been singing karaoke songs with friends, while drinking and taking cocaine.

Housemate Inam Udo-Udoman, who discovered his body at their Battersea flat the following day, said: “There were quite a lot people there and George was talking to a lot of them.

“I would describe him as tipsy, I knew he had been drinking beer and vodka mixers.

“I knew his relationship had broken down and he had been upset but he seemed to be dealing with the relationship and was getting out and seeing friends.”

Coroner Dr Fiona Wilcox read a series of texts to the inquest between Mr Howarth and Miss Wilson from the following morning.

One read: “I’m so sorry. There is no point in me anymore.”

Another added: “I want to die it helps.”

His last message read: “There is no life here for me. Keep my stuff as a token and tell my mum and dad I love them.”

Miss Wilson, in a statement, said the pair had a ‘major up and down relationship’ for 10 months before she ended it.

“I was sick of the arguing and had had enough,” she said.

The court heard he had texted the night before his death but she believed he was trying to make her feel guilty and was only seeking attention.

Later she found she had around 50 missed calls and texts from Mr Howarth, the inquest heard.

Coroner Dr Wilcox said: “He was an only child with a keen sense of humour and a charismatic personality. He was academically extremely able and went on to become an engineer.”

The coroner told the court it was apparent from the texts that he was not thinking clearly at the time and contemplating suicide.

Recording a narrative verdict, Dr Wilcox added: “He took his own life while intoxicated by drink and drugs.”

Hundreds of people wrote messages of condolence on a Facebook tribute website set up in memory of the former Accrington St Christopher’s student.

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