Young rugby player battling depression, 22, hanged himself hours after a friend had slapped him at Christmas Eve party
Tragic Nathan Tomkins found dead in garden shed by dad Robin
A PROMISING young rugby player hanged himself after a friend SLAPPED him at a party, an inquest has heard.
Tragic Nathan Tomkins, 22, had been battling depression when a pal struck him on Christmas Eve last year.
Hours later Nathan, known as Tank at the Upton Rugby Club he played for, was found hanged in the shed by his father, Robin, 64.
At an inquest at Worcestershire Coroners’ Court on Wednesday, Coroner Geraint Williams ruled that being slapped at the party and the effects of a previous assault had contributed to the death of the sports fanatic from Earl Croome, Worcs.
Robin told how ahead of the tragedy his local contractor son became increasingly withdrawn, and found it difficult to talk.
The former Hanley Castle High School pupil had been spending an increasing amount of time isolated in his room.
Nathan's brother Matthew, 29, also revealed that the pair had gone out together "drinking, socialising, singing and having a good time" on the night he died.
At one stage in the night Nathan was slapped across the face by a friend, leaving him "clearly upset".
After returning to the family home Robin went to check up on his son, but couldn't find him in his room.
He entered the shed after noticing the light was on, and found his son dead. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, Nathan could not be revived.
Papyrus HOPELineUK also provides confidential suicide prevention advice and support to young people on 0800 068 4141 or via text on 07786 209 697 and by emailing pat@papyrus-uk.org.