Yahoo News Morecambe dad tragically took his own life after asking council bosses to reduce his workload
The wife of a much-loved dad who took his own life has said there was "no warning" other than the stress he was suffering at work.
James Darren Lees, known as Darren, was reported missing by his wife Debi on the evening of August 14 after he failed to come home from work. The 58-year-old, who worked for Lancashire County Council in adult social care, had only just returned to work after he and his colleagues had been on strike.
Lancashire Police launched a search for the dad-of-two, who was described by his family as "a creature of habit", involving a drone and mountain rescue team. Two days later, on August 16, Darren's body was found by a friend near Carnforth.
An inquest which was held on Friday November 15 at Morecambe Town Hall heard that Debi and Darren had been together for 38 years and had "never had so much as a row".
The couple enjoyed walking their dog together and had just booked a holiday to Lanzarote. They were also planning to go on a "holiday of a lifetime" to Peru for Darren's upcoming 60th birthday and to visit their son Matthew who had recently got a "fantastic job" in New York.
The inquest heard that "proud dad" Darren, who was looking forward to attending his daughter Sarah's PhD graduation, had never experienced any mental health issues. The last time he visited his GP at the Bay Medical Group, was in 2021 when he discussed his "increasing workload" and stress in his job.
"He felt he couldn't cope with work," his GP said in a statement. "He also felt that he wasn't sleeping well because of this."
Darren's wife Debi said in a statement: "On the morning of August 14 I went to work as normal and arrived home to find Darren wasn't back. This wouldn't be totally out of character for him.
"I took the dog out and when I returned and he wasn't yet home I started to get concerned. At 6.30pm I noted on social media that a crash had occurred and was concerned this may have involved Darren."
Debi said that she then called the Royal Lancaster Infirmary to see if Darren had been admitted but she was "put on hold and didn't get put through". Her niece then travelled to the A&E department where she was told Darren wasn't there.
Darren's wife added that he "didn't struggle with anything more than the usual frustrations people experience" but said that he "did express work frustrations".
After Darren's death, police spoke to his employer, Lancashire County Council. The inquest heard that his manager said that Darren had requested an allocation break, to reduce his workload, and said this type of request from the team "wasn't unusual".
Returning a conclusion of suicide, Assistant Coroner Laura Fox said: "Darren was a much-loved man whose medical history was silent for any mental health issues. His wife described what happened to him as a 'sudden and catastrophic breakdown'."
After Darren's death his family and friends raised £1,463 for the Bowland and Pennine Mountain Rescue Team, who assisted with the search after he was reported missing.
Louise Taylor, executive director of adult services, Lancashire County Council, said: "Our deepest condolences go to Darren's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. Darren was a longstanding employee of the county council, supporting some of our most vulnerable residents.
"He was a valued member of our team and will be sorely missed by all who worked with him over the years. We will now carefully consider the findings of this inquest and continue to provide support to Darren's former colleagues."
