A MAN who had been mourning the loss of his pet was found dead in his garden, an inquest heard.

Rene Eccleston, of 164 Old highway, Colwyn Bay, was found dead in his back garden on September 11 2023. He may have died some days earlier, the inquest heard at Ruthin County Hall on Tuesday, February 6.

Rene, 63, was unemployed and had suffered with a bad back. The inquest heard that he was not married, had no siblings and had been estranged from his mother for the last eight years. 

Gareth Alan Jones, of North Wales Police, attended Rene's address on September 11. He was led through the garden by colleagues, which had a decking area.

In a statement, read out in the inquest, Mr Jones noticed how "everything was packed away in boxes in one room." He noted the house was "immaculate".

A note was found from the deceased. 

Mr Jones also came across a letter from an estate agent stating that the lease on the house was to end and there was a card on the mantle piece from the local vets offering their condolences following the loss of his recent pet.

Mr Jones turned on Rene's iPhone and although it was locked - there was a picture of a cat as the background. It was assumed this was the pet Rene had lost. 

Rene was said to have "very specific tattoos". He had the name 'Rene' on his arm as a tattoo.

The medical cause of death was given as hanging.

Kate Robertson, assistant coroner for North Wales East and Central, recorded a conclusion of suicide.

Anyone feeling distressed or suicidal can telephone Samaritans for help on 116 123 (free) or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK