Dad who fought 'snow syndrome' disease after Covid took own life, inquest told
A 'brilliant and loving' father-of-two took his own life after suffering from a rare condition triggered by Covid that destroyed his mental health, an inquest has heard.
Ian Price, 47, died last August after suffering "visual snow syndrome", a neurological disorder that impacts vision, hearing, cognition, and sensory processing. The defining characteristic is seeing snow in one's line of vision, which has also been likened to seeing static, flickering dots and flashing lights 24/7.
Warrington Coroner's Court was told Ian had been the subject of a Cheshire Police missing person appeal before his body was found in a wooded area in Appelton, one of the town's leafy suburbs. Ian's wife of 14 years Lisa told the court he developed symptoms of Covid-19 and tested positive on January 12 last year. The virus caused shingles and Ian started complaining about issues with his eyesight, which lead to "extreme anxiety".
As his anxiety worsened, his symptoms grew more severe, the inquest heard. A specialist was contacted but no explanation could be found for the sight issue, but by April 27, an ophthalmologist was able to diagnose visual snow syndrome.
Ian had never heard of the condition, but became 'obsessed' with it. He started obsessively reading into it, leaving him "anxious, fearful and caused him to struggle to focus on positives. Reading further into it left him 'anxious, fearful and caused him to struggle to focus on positives'. His research lead him to the conclusion that there was no cure, squashing any hope he had of relief.
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By May 8, the dad-of-two had made an attempt on his own life, leading to him being hospitalised. A mental health team spoke to him in hospital and he was discharged, but he made a second attempt on his life on May 18, the court heard.
He was admitted to Aintree Hospital, where another mental health team diagnosed him with depression. But despite the diagnosis, he was discharged to go home, where he told his wife he was scared about what he might do.
Both of them began listening to self-help books and tried using meditation, mindfulness activities and art therapy to cope with the strain.
Walks also helped and gave Ian glimpses of hope which helped Ian with a more positive outlook, but he was still struggling with suicidal thoughts. A series of notes were found type on his computer, the inquest heard.
Making things even more difficult, his job as a graphic designer became more quiet, causing a "very difficult" period. The court heard that he loved his job and it gave him a sense of pride.
On August 18, Ian stated he was going to go for a run and left home at 11.20am, but his wife had a 'feeling something had happened' and was worried about his welfare. After calling his mobile and getting no answer, neighbours and friends went looking for him and Cheshire Police were informed.
Officers joined the search, along with Cheshire Search and Rescue Service, and an urgent public appeal was launched,. Tragically, Ian's body was discovered the following day.
Paramedics were called and an ambulance was dispatched, but Ian was pronounced dead at 2.17pm on August 19. A police statement said there were no suspicious circumstances or evidence of third-party involvement surrounding his death.
The court heard of Ian's medical history, including a statement from his GP at Lakeside Surgery in Lymm about his visual snow syndrome diagnosis and subsequent mental health struggles. Further statements were read on behalf of mental health nurses, with in-person evidence also given regarding his treatment, therapy and plans.
After the second suicide attempt, Ian was discharged from hospital after four days and placed in the care of the community mental health team. On July 20, the team concluded that he could be discharged from their care following an assessment, the inquest heard.
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In the weeks prior to his death, Ian received private counselling, where he was identified as a low risk of suicide. Lisa told the inquest: "I sensed I was losing my grasp on him. It was pulling him down stronger than I could keep him above water."
Sarah Murphy, assistant coroner for Cheshire, concluded that Ian made a deliberate decision to end his own life, and reached a conclusion of suicide. She praised Lisa for her 'support and devotion' to Ian and again expressed her sincere condolences to his family.
She described Ian as a gentleman who greatly loved his family, adding: "It is nothing short of tragic that such a brilliant man died in such tragic circumstances. I hope his family can pull together and move forward, as I have no doubt whatsoever that is what he would have wanted."
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.
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