A former high-ranking RAF officer who moved to Lancashire after taking up a role with BAE Systems died by suicide, an inquest has heard.
According to details from an inquest reported by The Telegraph, Russell Anthony Foster-Jones, 51, was found dead at an Airbnb near Garstang in June 2025 while he was the subject of an investigation into alleged misconduct during his military service.
Records published on Lancashire County Council's website show an inquest into the death of Mr Foster-Jones concluded on July 21, 2026.
The conclusion was recorded as suicide.
The inquest at County Hall, Preston, heard Mr Foster-Jones had served in the RAF for many years, rising to the rank of Group Captain and becoming Provost Marshal of the RAF Police.
After leaving the RAF in May 2024, he joined defence company BAE Systems and moved with his family to Barton.
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The court heard that an investigation into his conduct as a serving officer had been launched in November 2024 by the Service Police Complaints Commissioner (SPCC), an independent body which investigates complaints relating to military police forces.
Details of the allegations were not disclosed during the hearing.
A statement from his widow, Emma Foster-Jones, said her husband had been "deeply affected" by the investigation and had sought support through his employer.
The inquest heard he later developed symptoms of anxiety and depression and attended sessions with a psychotherapist.
Emergency services were called to an address in Churchtown, near Garstang, on June 19, 2025, where Mr Foster-Jones was found dead.
Area Coroner Emma Mather raised concerns during the hearing about aspects of how the investigation had been managed, including the timescales involved and safeguarding procedures.
However, recording a conclusion of suicide, she said it was not possible to determine whether shortcomings in the handling of the investigation had contributed to a decline in Mr Foster-Jones's mental health.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, support is available from Samaritans free of charge on 116 123 or via https://www.samaritans.org.
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