Bridge plunge tragedy

Date published: 01 December 2010


A FATHER-OF-TWO who threw himself off a 100ft viaduct bridge in Daisy Nook Country Park was suffering from a “significant” depressive illness.

Former electrician John Blomeley (59) had suffered mental health problems for 20 years.

Mr Blomeley’s body was found in March last year, partially submerged in the River Medlock.

An inquest yesterday heard how he had threatened to take his own life before, including threatening to throw himself off the roof of a hotel while on holiday in Greece in 2008.

Mr Blomeley, of Droylsden, had been receiving care from the Pennine Care Foundation Trust, which provides mental health services for Oldham and Tameside.

Coroner Simon Nelson said there were no shortcomings in the care Mr Blomeley had received.

He said: “Had Mr Blomeley sadly not left the family home that Monday morning, help would have been available for him.”

He recorded a verdict that Mr Blomeley took his own life while suffering from a significant depressive illness.