World News – USA – Dad who took his own life left a heartbreaking note that read, « Covid Got Me »

A father believed to have committed suicide during the initial lockdown is one of the’ many hidden victims’ of the pandemic, his brother said.

Financial advisor Nick Gunnell, 55, drowned Jan.. June in the River Ouse near York. Mr Gunnell had left an apologetic note for his family expressing regret, saying « Covid got me » heard an investigation into his death.

After a coroner passed a suicide verdict during the investigation, Gunnell’s brother Jez said that many people, like his brother, are fighting in silence as a result of the pandemic.

Jez, paying tribute to his’ amazing ‘brother, said:’ He is greatly missed by all of us and we are all aware that Nick is a hidden victim of Covid-19 – one of many who are making their precious life have lost or are suffering from this devastating disease not featured on any government statistic.

« Aside from the oppressive media flash that was locked up and deprived of his social life, Covid was creating tremendous problems for Nick for the business he had developed for 30 years. ‘

Lockdown had caused Mr. Gunnell’s financial advisory business problems and he had suffered from anxiety and insomnia, the coroner said.

The investigation found that before the pandemic, Mr Gunnell told his wife that 2020 would be « her year ». . He was preparing to sell his financial advisory business and they were planning a tour of the Greek islands.

But coronavirus travel restrictions meant the vacation was scrapped, the lockdown hit its business, and the deal failed, the investigation heard.

Paying tribute to his brother, Jez added, “Nick lived life to the fullest and was an amazing husband, father, stepfather, brother, uncle and great friend to many.

« Despite the evidence that he tried to commit suicide, we will never be certain that he did not fall into the river in his condition rather than intentionally ending his life. ‘

Mr. Gunnell was last born on Jan.. Seen on CCTV June just after 1pm walking down to the riverside in York city center.

After a six-day police and public search, a kayaker found his body in the Ouse 150 meters upstream from the bridge.

Mr Gunnell had been drinking alcohol and on medication before he died and video surveillance at York Station showed he was a little unsteady on his feet, the court said.

He had spoken to his doctor the day before his death and was prescribed medication for anxiety and sleep disorders.

An autopsy concluded that Mr. Gunnell had drowned and Assistant Medical Examiner John Broadbridge recorded a suicide report.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans’ 24-hour hotline on 116 123 and send an email to jo @ samaritans. org, visit a Samaritan branch in person or visit the Samaritan website.

Financial Advisor, Coronavirus, Lockdown, Finance