A coroner has concluded that a missing West Cumbrian man, whose body has never been found, more likely than not intended to end his life.
Despite an extensive police search and investigation, there has been no trace of Ben Gibson, a much loved 35-year-old dad, since he left his family home near Workington on March 30 last year.
Cockermouth Coroners’ Court heard the qualified paramedic and trainee advanced clinical practitioner had suffered from mental health problems after the Covid pandemic began in 2020, and admitted to suicidal thoughts.
Early on March 30 2023, he was arrested by police and released from custody on bail around lunchtime. At around 4.30pm, his wife arrived home to find a note which contained insurance, mortgage and bank details. It also stated “I love you all very much”.
His wife called a new mobile number listed on the note. Ben answered, returned home for around an hour and then left again, saying he was going for a walk and then to his parents’ home.
In a statement read to an inquest today, his wife recalled that he waved as he drove away, and noted his demeanour was emotionless and guarded. He didn’t take a bag or any belongings.
After he was reported missing, an extensive police search was launched which involved officers and search and rescue specialists including divers, dogs and technology.
“His car was found on March 31 and our lives have been completely torn apart ever since then,” said his wife.
That vehicle was located in the Ennerdale Water area, where much surrounding ground comprises dense, overgrown shrubbery.
“Despite all the resources, it is impossible to fully search all of the surrounding area,” a senior police detective had stated at a time when Ben had been missing for 318 days.
“Cumbria police have exhausted all lines of enquiry. He remains outstanding and cannot be traced.
“The working hypothesis is that he attended Ennerdale and, due to circumstances relative to an ongoing police investigation, has intentionally taken his own life or died as a result of misadventure.”
After hearing evidence, Cumbria assistant coroner Robert Cohen concluded that he was satisfied it was more likely than not that Ben had caused his own death.
“For much the same reason I am also satisfied it is more likely than not that at the time he intended at the very least to cause himself really serious harm,” said the coroner, who formally recorded a conclusion of death by suicide.
In her statement, Ben’s wife called him my best friend and my safety when I worried. “He was a loving husband and a brilliant dad to our girls. I didn’t know how much he was struggling before he went missing,” she said.
As he concluded the inquest, Mr Cohen told members of his family: “I simply repeat how very sorry I am for your loss and for the trauma you have experienced.”
