Landscape gardener found dead in Blenheim Palace

Ross Shakles, 31, from Witney, was found hanging in the woods by the stately home on the evening of May 9 by a plasterer who volunteers for a search and rescue team.

A doctor in the group confirmed his death and said it was 'clear' he was 'unlikely' to be alive because he was not breathing.

They identified him using his tattoos and pictures from a missing person search.

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On the floor was his blue rucksack, which police had used as something people might recognise him by in media appeals, and his mobile phone.

At his inquest last week, the head coroner for the county Darren Salter said he probably died on or about May 5, days prior.

Using his phone records police had been able to see that he last read a text message at 10.15am on May 5 and last answered a call on May 4 at 4pm.

Investigators also found internet searches on his phone about suicide and hanging.

They ruled out anything suspicious or any third party involvement.

Mr Shakles was last seen alive in the grounds of Blenheim Palace by his friend Joe on May 3 at 7.30am.

A gardener at the grounds claimed to have spotted a man matching his description on May 7 but the clothing was wrong so Mr Salter said it probably wasn't him.

His sister had reported him missing nearly a week before he was found, after he left his mum’s house and said he was going on a ‘hike’.

In a statement his mother Jacqueline said: “I did think this was a bit weird.

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"That was the last time I saw him or had any contact with him.”

Two days after the missing person report was filed Mr Shakles became a 'high risk' missing person with Thames Valley Police and efforts were ramped up to find him safe.

His on-off partner Sophia also wrote a statement that was read out at the inquest.

She said they had been in a relationship for four years before he went travelling to Thailand in 2018.

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He moved back in with his mum on his return, four months later.

But, she said, he 'appeared to have lost his spark' explaining that he had struggled over the coronavirus pandemic and the uncertainty of what was happening.

On May 4, records show he sent a picture message to her at 1pm of the two of them together.

Mr Salter said he had been in a low mood because of his recent break up with Sophia and his poor mental health.

He also said cocaine was found in his blood by the toxicology team after his death.

However the medical cause of death was hanging and the coroner gave a verdict of suicide.

The inquest was held under Rule 23 which means that evidence can be given in statements and witnesses to not need to go to court, amid the pandemic and efforts to keep social distancing.

If you've been affected by any of the issues in this article and need support or you are struggling with mental health or having suicidal thoughts, seek help from charities such as the Samaritans by calling 116 123.