A 33-year-old personal trainer who was "excited to start the next chapter of his life" died by suicide in his home a court has heard.

Ian Rickett was found dead in his home, in Elm Road, on May 14 after his employer contacted his aunt because he had not shown up for work.

Mr Rickett had recently resigned from his strength and conditioning job at the Queen Mary University in London after being given the go-ahead to start his own personal training business.

An inquest into his death heard that his next of kin had asked friends who lived locally and had a key, to check on him after he didn't turn up for work on both May 13 and 14.

Friends entered the property and could see his feet through the door in the master bedroom, but couldn't enter, forcing them to contact the emergency services.

Police and paramedics managed to gain entry into the bedroom where Mr Rickett was pronounced dead.

The coroner's court heard that Mr Rickett was found dead in his home on May 14The coroner's court heard that Mr Rickett was found dead in his home on May 14 (Image: Newsquest)

A statement read out on behalf of one of Ian's next of kin, Peter Rivers, said: "At a family get together in April he seemed in a very good headspace and was talking about the future in a positive way regarding his business venture.

"Ian was a very kind and friendly man who had commendable strength to keep going throughout a terribly sad and tragic events in his life.

"He just never got the break he truly deserved."

Cassandra Smith, a friend of Ian, added: "He loved teaching and coaching.

"As far as I knew he was in excellent health and he really seemed excited for his next chapter."

Offering her condolences to Ian's family and friends in attendance area coroner Johanna Thompson concluded he died by suicide, saying: "There was nothing to indicate Ian had thoughts of suicide.

"The medical cause of death based on Dr Igali's report is hanging.

"As there were no drugs or alcohol in his system I can only conclude he intended to take his own life."

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