26 April 2023 , 14:34
644
0
A police officer called to a mystery death found one of his own colleagues dead at the foot of a 120ft drop.
PC Ryan Donaldson, 31, plunged from a landmark aqueduct known as a notorious suicide spot.
An inquest heard passers-by saw him jump - and dialled 999 to call police as the body lay on a path at the foot of the drop.
Sergeant Joseph Dunne was called to the scene but did not realise the body was PC Donaldson.
He then found a police warrant card in his pocket - and realised it was his colleague in the North Wales force.
England star Joe Marler reflects on lowest point after fight with pregnant wife
The well-respected rural crime officer plunged to his death just hours after telling his parents that a relationship was over.
Shortly before he jumped from the Pontcysyllte aqueduct in North Wales, PC Donaldson texted his former girlfriend to say: "I just can't be bothered anymore".
He also messaged members of his family to say: "Sorry for what I am about to do."
An inquest in Ruthin heard PC Donaldson, who joined North Wales Police in 2018 and was serving in the Wrexham rural division, had suffered from depression for a couple of years.
Dr Helen Moon said she and her husband Stephen were crossing the aqueduct above the River Dee when they saw a man sitting on the railings with his legs dangling over the edge in December 2021.
A few seconds later he pushed himself off and plunged to the ground.
Consultant pathologist Dr Mark Atkinson gave the cause of death as multiple injuries.
The officer's mother, Linda Donaldson, with whom he lived in Wrexham, said he told her that morning that his relationship was at an end. He later said he was going for a walk.
John Gittins, senior coroner for North Wales East and Central, recorded a conclusion of suicide at the Ruthin inquest.
He told the officer's sister Cara: "To describe it as a tragedy is inadequate.
'So fed up of tiresome pal flirting with my husband and always putting me down'
"Clearly, he had struggled for years but provided a valuable service as a police officer. It is a massive loss to his family and everybody."
At the time of his death his family described him as "a much-loved son and brother who will be greatly missed".
It added: "He was extremely proud to serve with North Wales Police. He loved being a police officer and his family were all very proud of what he had achieved."
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.