Mystery as devoted dad found dead in woods months after running from his car

04 May 2023 , 19:10

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Harkinder Takhar, 58, was last seen running from the family car before being found dead months later (Image: BPM MEDIA)

A 'devoted' dad-of-four was found dead in remote woodlands almost four months after we went missing, an inquest has heard.

Harjinder 'Harry' Takhar was reported missing after he ran from his family car in Telford last year.

The 58-year-old - who was born in Birmingham but lived in Dawley - was never seen again until his body was tragically discovered in January. His disappearance sparked a widespread social media campaign, with thousands of people using the hashtag #HelpHarryHome.

Today, a coroner confirmed the 'die-hard' Leeds United fan took his own life.

An inquest into his death heard how Mr Takhar's body was discovered in a woodland area near The Three Furnaces pub, in Bridgnorth Road, reports Birmingham Live.

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A member of the public, working close to the site, raised the alarm with West Mercia Police at about 11.44am on January 23. Police rushed to the scene and confirmed Mr Takhar was dead.

The court was told Mr Takhar - known as 'Peter' to family and childhood friends - was last seen on October 2 last year (BPM MEDIA)

Harjinder 'Harry' Takhar had been travelling in a car with family during a trip to see loved ones in the West Midlands when he said he 'felt sick' before running off (BPM MEDIA)

He was later identified through dental records. John Ellery, senior coroner for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, today recorded a conclusion of suicide.

The court was told Mr Takhar - known as 'Peter' to family and childhood friends - was last seen on October 2 last year.

He had been travelling in a car with family during a trip to see loved ones in the West Midlands when he said he 'felt sick'.

The car was pulled over moments before Mr Takhar climbed out of the vehicle and ran of, Mr Ellery said.

At the time, his family had said he suffered a panic attack and had headed towards a woodland area in the Stirchley Pools area of Telford.

Mr Ellery told how it was not known when Mr Takhar died but said it was "nearer to October 2 than the date he was found". The dad had become "increasingly worried" about his mental health in the time before he went missing and had been having trouble sleeping.

"Nobody expected him to kill himself," Mr Ellery added. The inquest at the Shirehall, Shrewsbury, heard how motivational speaker Mr Takhar was born in Birmingham.

He had lived in Smethwick, as well as Bearwood, and was also related to former Liberal Democrats leader Tim Farron through marriage. More than £18,000 has since been raised in Mr Takhar's memory for mental health charity Mind

Harry's widow Ran Takhar previously paid tribute to her husband, saying he had 'a zest for life and a strong passion for serving his community'. See the fundraising page here.

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Annabal Bagdi