20 October 2023 , 14:55
597
0
This Morning star and Labour politician Matty Lock took his own life, a coroner ruled at an inquest, a month on from the teenager's heartbreaking death.
Matty was a regular guest on ITV show This Morning sharing his passion for mechanics, particularly vacuum cleaners. The 19-year-old was also a popular and dedicated Labour councillor.
His sudden death on September 8 stunned his local community and TV colleagues, with tributes pouring in as the sad news of his passing broke.
Police were “satisfied” there was no third party involvement in Matty's death and Senior Coroner Julie Goulding concluded a verdict of suicide. The hearing was told that in the year prior to Matty's death “there had been concern about his drinking and use of ketamine, for which he did not want any help," , Daily Express reports.
Matty Lock often appeared on This Morning and was a popular guest (S Meddle/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
The late teenager with the ITV show's former hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby in 2020 (S Meddle/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Toxicology results showed he had taken both substances prior to his tragic death, the inquest heard.
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
Following his death a spokesperson for This Morning paid tribute. They shared on Instagram : “Everyone at This Morning is shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Matty Lock, aged just 19. He was a delightful young man, a joy to work with and his passion for vacuum cleaners and general mechanics was infectious. His family came to the studio and they were so proud that he’d turned a childhood hobby into a career. We will miss him and send our condolences to his family.”
Several of the show’s hosts, past and present, took to the comments to remember the popular guest. Holly Willoughby wrote: “Just so unbelievably sad… such a lovely and talented young man… sending my love to his friends and family, this must be such a difficult time.” Craig Doyle echoed: “Ah no, what a lovely young man, this is such tragic news. Rest in Peace Matty.” And Dermot O’Leary penned: “Awful news. What a lovely guy.”
Tributes poured in for Matty following the sad news of his death (Liverpool echo)As well as his promising television career, Matty was also a member of the Labour Party in Sefton and Merseyside. Shortly before his death, he was elected town councillor in Maghull and was a parish councillor in Lydiate. Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner, who had campaigned with Matty, said: “Incredibly sad news, Matty did so much for his community. My love and prayers are with his friends and family.”
The Twitter account for Labour North West also shared: “I want to express our deepest condolences at the loss of Cllr Matty Lock. He had his whole life ahead of him, with huge potential, who I know was admired and loved across our party. Our thoughts are with his mum and dad and family at this difficult time."
In the days following his death, an array of flowers and touching messages were left in Maghull. One of his friends wrote, as reported by the ECHO: “I miss you forever Matty, you were too good for this world. I will do you proud, we all will, love you forever and always. Save me a dance and a glass of wine, I hope you're having a party up there. A day will never go by where I don't think about you, my special friend. Until we meet again my angel, love you, forever in my heart."
*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch