Dog walkers saw 'much-loved' son shortly before he took his own life
A much-adored young man who worked hard and loved his family took his own life after years of struggles with anxiety and depression. Harley Liam Judd, 24, took his life a day after he'd contacted his GP surgery expressing suicidal thoughts.
Harley was born in Sancreed, near Penzance, and later moved to Hayle. He was a very well-loved son, brother, uncle and partner with his mum describing how he had adored his family and worked many jobs, but was never settled and didn't know what he wanted to do with his life.
An inquest held today (January 14) at Cornwall's Coroner's Court, in Truro, heard how Harley was so popular that a huge volume of his Tesco colleagues wanted to attend his funeral meaning staff had to be drafted in from other stores to cover for them.
In her statement provided for the inquest, his mother described how he had struggled with his mental health since the age of 14 and had made previous attempts to take his own life but was quite open about this. He had opened up to his family and healthcare professionals throughout his life and at the time of his death he was in a relationship which made him very happy.
One witness at a popular dog walking area in Camborne described having seen a young man in the area on April 15, 2024, saying he was sitting on the floor and smoking a cigarette but they didn't think anything of it. When this witness returned 15 to 20 minutes later an ambulance had been called.
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A separate witness said her dogs approached a man she now knows to have been Harley and jumped up but Harley didn't react and she apologised. She said he replied: "It's alright, it doesn't matter now anyway!. She asked if he was okay and he mumbled something in reply that she didn't hear.
When these witnesses returned from their walk that same man, later confirmed to be Harley, was found and efforts were made to save him. He died in hospital five days later.
The inquest heard how Harley was in contact with his GP surgery and was taking treatment for his depression. He had last contacted his GP surgery asking for help the day before he was found making the attempt on his life.
He had completed an online clinic form expressing suicidal thoughts and anxiety and asking for help and guidance. The message was reviewed shortly after 6pm that same day and a message sent about a telephone consultation the following day.
Harley was advised in the meantime to ring a 24/7 mental health line if he felt he could not keep himself safe. Harley called his GP on the day of his passing but they had not called back until he was in hospital.
A note left in his phone, and found following his death, touched on how Harley had been struggling for a long time and spoke of the love he had for his family.
A funeral notice following his death read: "In loving memory of Harley Liam Judd, of Camborne, who passed away unexpectedly on 20th April 2024, aged 24 years.
"A very much-loved son, stepson, brother, partner, grandson, great-grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, colleague, and friend to many."
Emma Hillson, assistant coroner for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, recorded a conclusion of suicide.