Tragedy as man, 23, dies after 'cry for help'

A 'bubbly, caring and funny' young man was found dead in a park near his ex-girlfriend's house following a battle with mental health problems, an inquest has heard.

Macauley Stephen Lea Mountain, 23, died in July when he was found in the Elland area of Halifax, leaving family and friends devastated, YorkshireLive reports. An inquest into his death, held at Bradford Coroners' Court, was told that Halifax-born Macauley had been round to his former girlfriend's house at around midnight on July 20 and there had been an argument.

He had become 'emotionally distressed', had grabbed a kitchen knife and had gone outside while his former partner and a friend locked themselves in the property, the hearing was told. Macauley had been heard saying 'watch this' and headed off into the park off Rochdale Road in the early hours of the morning.

READ MORE: Firefighter, 44, died due to cocaine after day out drinking with colleagues

His former partner and her friend had watched him in the park and then became worried and so called for an ambulance. Paramedics found Macauley and performed CPR but sadly he could not be saved, the inquest heard. Macauley had previously taken overdoses on three separate occasions and had been assessed by mental health services and offered psychology support.

In a statement, his mum, Adele, said Macauley had attended Ryburn Valley High, Sowerby Bridge, and had been 'generally happy' although there was some bullying. Her son had been born with a cleft lip and palate and had undergone surgery 13 times to correct this.

He had played football for St Columba's in Illingworth, Halifax, was a big Manchester United fan, and had set up his own business. Adele said she was aware of two previous overdose incidents and said Macauley had realised that he had 'done the wrong thing'.

A pathologist concluded that the cause of death was asphyxia. Blood tests revealed that Macauley had taken cocaine. West Yorkshire Police ruled out any suspicious circumstances in his death.

Assistant coroner Steve Eccleston said it appeared that Macauley was an 'emotionally impulsive' young man who had found it difficult to regulate his emotions. The coroner recorded a 'misadventure' conclusion and said that there was insufficient evidence to suggest that Macauley had intended to end his life. Mr Eccleston said Macauley's actions may have been a 'cry for help' or him 'acting out'.

Following Macauley's death, friends and family raised over £4,400 towards his funeral with a GoFundMe appeal in which Adele described her son as an "outgoing, bubbly, caring, funny young lad with such a big heart".

Helplines and websites

Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.

For support for people feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk

CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They're open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.

Greater Manchester Bereavement Service Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief. www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk

Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.

PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.

Beat Eating Disorders: Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Studentline: 0808 801 0811, Youthline: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

Anorexia & Bulimia Care: ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/

Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org

For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse, visit https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/