Inquest held into death of lorry driver found dead at Lymm Services

Northern Ireland native Matthew Fox tragically died at Lymm Services, off the M6 and M56, on December 12, aged just 29. An inquest into the death of the lorry driver, who was born in Magherafelt, County Londonderry, and lived in the nearby village of Moneymore, was formally opened and concluded at Warrington Coroner's Court on Wednesday. A coroner officer explained to the court that Mr Fox's partner contacted Cheshire Police after he had said to her that he was going to take his own life in his HGV at Lymm Services.

Officers attended the scene on December 12 and found him to be unresponsive near a JCB vehicle that he was transporting at the rear of his lorry. The officers conducted CPR until paramedics arrived and took over, however, despite best efforts, Mr Fox was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner officer said that an inquest was required in this case due to the cause of death being 'unnatural'.

It was also said that the coronial service has spoken to his next-of-kin, who confirmed that they accepted the medical cause of death, and that they had no concerns regarding his medical care or treatment. Jacqueline Devonish, senior coroner for Cheshire, said: "On the evidence that I have heard, I am satisfied that Matthew Joseph Fox requires an inquest. "Furthermore, I am satisfied that I have heard sufficient evidence to enable me to open and conclude the inquest now."

Coroner Devonish told the court that Mr Fox attended his GP in September and October 2024 with depression, and that his family had expressed that his actions were 'not unexpected'. On the strength of the evidence, the coroner reached a conclusion that the death was as a result of suicide. She commented: "I am satisfied that he took his own life with the intention of doing so."

Coroner Devonish added: "That brings the inquest process to a close. All that remains is for me to express condolences to his family." If you have been affected by this story and would like to talk to someone, call Samaritans for free from any phone on 116123.

Alternatively, Papyrus is dedicated to helping people under 35 at risk of suicide through its HopelineUK service.

Visit papyrus-uk.org/hopelineuk/ or call 0800 068 4141, text 07786209697 or email [email protected]