The family of a Blackburn man questioned why his GP practice did not follow up on mental health concerns in the weeks prior to him setting himself on fire.
Zahid Yarmohammadi, 25, was described as a “very nice person” who had “no problems with anyone” by his family during an inquest at Preston Coroners Court.
A keen footballer and supporter of Blackburn Rovers, Mr Yarmohammadi had moved to the country after his family fled Afghanistan five years ago, where his father worked as a police officer.
A statement from the mother said: “My son was a very nice person. As far as I knew, he had no problems, he was working part-time as a security officer at Blackburn football club.
“He enjoyed playing sports, especially football, and went to college to learn English. He had no problems with anyone, and this all happened very unexpectedly.”
In June 2025, Mr Yarmohammadi had attempted to take an overdose using his mother's medication.
The family cited difficulty in finding permanent work since his arrival in the country had affected his mental health, as well as the death of his brother, and not being able to see his sister, who remained in Afghanistan.
Evidence provided by DI Tammy Woodhouse stated that on November 21, members of the public looked to assist Mr Yarmohammadi, after he was engulfed in flames in Billinge Street.
After examining the contents of his phone, officers discovered that Mr Yarmohammadi had filmed the incident, and that there was no evidence that anyone else had been involved in his death.
Coroner Kate Bissett addressed the family and spoke of the bravery they had shown since their move away from Afghanistan.
She said: “I would like to start by saying how much respect I have for your family. I have no doubt it was incredibly brave and hard doing the job you did in Afghanistan.
“I have equally no doubt about moving your family to the other side of the world because of your job. You are all incredibly brave.
“You have also endured such terrible tragedy in the loss of two sons and the continuing difficulties of your daughter remaining in Afghanistan, and I wish you every happiness in reuniting with her as soon as possible.
“It is clear to me he was a good son, he was studying to better himself, and trying to secure work. He had always worked, including in a voluntary capacity and was a welcome and hardworking member of British society.
“It is also clear that, following those family tragedies, he was struggling with his feelings.
“I accept it is most likely that his actions were with the intention to end his own life. But I also accept that if he were well, he would never have left his family, and his actions are a reflection of his illness and nothing more.”
Following his attempted suicide in June, the home treatment team reached out to Mr Yarmohammadi, who said that he had regretted the incident and that he had no plans to take another overdose.
After this, neither the home treatment team nor the GP followed up with him regarding his mental health.
During the hearing, the family cited that he should have spent a longer time in the hospital and more efforts should have been made to check in on him.
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Ms Bissett explained that the law outlines that a person cannot be taken to hospital against their will, unless in very specific circumstances.
She said: “I agree that he needed more help, and I agree that he has fallen between the cracks of responsibility of who should have been providing that help.
“The home-based treatment team rightly discharged him when he said that he did not need their help, because they couldn’t make him accept help from them.
“The GP should have followed up with Zahid; he was a young man who had been through a lot of difficult experiences, and he knew more about them than any other person or organisation.
“The difficulty of what the law requires of me, I can consider factors that have caused or contributed to a death occurring.”
Ms Bissett returned the conclusion of suicide.
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here to listen – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
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