Tributes have been paid to a talented Barnoldswick author and musician who took his own life while on holiday in Brazil.
Barry Gibbons, 46, had a long history of mental health difficulties and had suffered from bipolar, but had shown no signs of concern before he went away.
His family paid tribute to Barry, explaining that he was a talented musician who had also published two academic books.
Barry’s mother said: “He was very talented and an academic. He was incredibly clever.”
Due to the incident taking place in Brazil, there was limited evidence that could be provided to coroner Kate Bissett, something that she profusely apologised for.
Ms Bissett said: “I would have had more evidence if it had occurred in this country. It breaks my heart that I cannot offer the same service to you and the limitations of that.”
Travelling with a friend, Barry checked into the Hotel de Costa in Aracaju on July 5 and on July 18 his room displayed a do not disturb sign.
A chambermaid entered the room after noticing a strong smell from behind the door and they found him in the bathroom hanged.
Brazilian authorities confirmed that there was no evidence of third-party involvement.
Having suffered from symptoms of psychosis in the past, Barry was medicated and had denied any symptoms of psychosis at that time.
He was said not to require mental health services at the time and said that he would reach out if he required support in the future.
Ms Bissett added: “I suspect there was a deterioration in his mental health and he had a lot going for him and the support of a fantastic family.
“He had a known previous mental health history. We think it is highly likely there was some deterioration in his mental health.”
Evidence provided by Adrian Trubody, a mental health nurse for Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust explained that Barry engaged with his medication and mental health support.
Ms Bissett said: “Barry was wonderful, and he endured a really difficult time but he still lived a wonderful life. I am incredibly pleased to hear he had those successes as well and he engaged with the treatment, and I am sorry for your loss.”
The coroner concluded death by suicide.
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