Hero dad 'loved by all' who saved child from burning building found dead in car
An avid rugby player with an 'infectious personality' died after taking his own life near Pooley Bridge.
Justin Swain, from Ilfracombe, died at Ullswater in January last year as a result of carbon monoxide toxicity.
An inquest at Cockermouth Coroners' Court on Thursday concluded that the 45-year-old died after intending to take his own life.
Tributes have been paid to the dad-of-two who was found dead in his car, LancashireLive reports.
Paying tribute, his ex-partner Charna Collins, said: "He was truly loved by everyone who met him, he was always laughing and joking.
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"He always had a smile on his face, he was popular and loved rugby. He was good at everything he turned his hand to."
The court heard that throughout his life, Justin had a number of jobs including working for the Saudi Arabian embassy and in later life for the London Fire Brigade.
It was in 2005 that Justin passed his exams for the fire service, something he had always dreamed of doing.
Ms Collins told the court that Justin loved his job and often spoke of the rescues he had been on including saving a child from a burning building.
Justin travelled a lot and was always looking forward to his next holiday.
The court heard that throughout his life, Justin has struggled with depression and anxiety and was seeking help for this through the firefighters' charity.
In the days before his death, Justin had said he was going on a trip and it was on January 16, that he was reported missing by his family when they couldn't get hold of him.
A couple staying at the Duke of Portland noticed Justin's car in a layby near where they were staying. After the car had been there all night, the couple decided to check everything was ok.
This is where they found Justin, slumped in the driver's seat as if he were asleep. It was later discovered the he had died. Summing up the case, Dr Nicholas Shaw, assistant coroner for Cumbria, said that it was clear Justin has intended to take his own life, however, why remains unknown.
He said: "Nothing really explains why Justin took this action but I've absolutely no doubt he did take them. Given the evidence there was no doubt he intended to do so, but exactly why we are not sure."
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Dr Shaw ruled that Justin died as a result of carbon monoxide toxicity. At the time of Justin's death, Ilfracombe Rugby Club paid tribute to him.
They said: "Devastated about the loss of IRFC legend Justin Swain. We’ll be holding a minute’s silence at 2.30pm on Saturday before kick-off, for those who wish to pay their respects. We will also raise a glass to him in the clubhouse afterwards, so please join us.
"Justin will be remembered by all for his ever-present smile and his infectious personality. Ever since he donned the blue and white as a teenager, he endeared himself to everyone he played with. Lightning quick, incredible physique, intimidating to the opposition, but always humble. He also introduced so many younger players to the legendary GILK (gin and milk, to the uninitiated) which has become a rugby club staple.
"But he was so much more than rugby. A family man, firefighter, security expert, accomplished photographer, seasoned traveller and more. We will all miss him greatly.
"Ilfracombe Rugby Club is a family, as is any rugby club. We are a community of people ready to help and to listen. Should anyone out there be struggling, they need only to get in touch and there will be someone happy to talk."
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