THE family of a 19-year-old roofer from Ulverston who took his own life is 'devastated by his loss'.

William Alfie Jonathon Simpson, known as 'Alfie' to his friends and family, was found by a member of the public in woods near the Hoad monument on June 2, 2024.

A statement submitted to Cockermouth Coroner's Court by his father William, with whom Mr Simpson lived on Rydal Road for around six months, outlined the events of the day his son died.

He said they were both roofers but worked for different employers and that day had discussed setting up a business together.

They had gone to the supermarket together at around 2pm, and on returning, Mr Simpson, who was born in Barrow, had gone to his room at around 4pm and then left the house at 5pm saying he was 'going for a run'.

His father said he 'had no indication Alfie had any thoughts of suicide'.

He commented that his son 'had a lot of drive for life and never seemed to be bored.'

A statement submitted to the court by Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust said that Mr Simpson had been admitted to A and E in Barrow after taking an overdose of medication accessed from the 'family cupboard' on January 26, 2024.

It said he had reported that the attempt was 'triggered' by an issue with his ex-partner but did not wish to disclose more.

He had no history of mental health issues before or after this incident, according to a GP statement.

Mr Simpson's ex-partner said in a statement that the couple had first got together in September 2022 after meeting in Coniston.

After two break-ups, in September 2023 and January 2024, she said they entered into a relationship again on May 3 after being in 'regular contact' throughout.

She said that though Mr Simpson was 'crying and upset', they would still message every other day and regularly meet up.

She said that on May 27, his application to join the navy had been rejected due to his previous mental health issue and he was 'really down'.

She reported he said he 'was going to be stuck in Ulverston his whole life and nothing going for him', which she called 'unusual for Alfie'.

She said on the day of his death they had been in contact, and he had messaged saying: "I wish you best, I love you, I’ve got to go, thank you for coming into my life."

Assistant Coroner for Cumbria Margaret Taylor said a toxicology report showed a 'small amount' of alcohol and cocaine.

She said: "There was a bigger relationship issue.

"He had taken some cocaine which he's obviously not used to and whether that has had a greater impact on him we don’t know."

Ms Taylor reached a conclusion of suicide by hanging.

A statement to the court submitted by his mother Vicki, with whom Mr Simpson had lived prior to living with his father, said: "Alfie was so positive and wanted to buy a house, but had recently split up with his girlfriend, and stated he hadn’t done anything wrong.

"Alfie was known as the funny one amongst his friends.

"His family are devastated by his loss, and can't imagine life without him.

"Alfie has given us so many amazing memories."

Whatever you are going through, you don’t have to face it alone. Call Samaritans for free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org for more information