A dad and former grounds maintenance worker was found dead in his bedroom shortly after celebrating his son's birthday with a barbecue. 

Gary Jones, 58, died at his home in Wilcher Close, East Hagbourne, near Didcot, on June 2 this year.

An inquest was held into his death at Oxford Coroner's Court on Monday, November 4. 

The inquest heard that Mr Jones, who was previously employed as a grounds maintenance worker, had hosted a birthday party for one of his sons the day before he died. 

He was feeling emotional as people were leaving to go and play pool at another house. The following day, he was found dead in his bedroom by another one of his sons. 

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The inquest heard Mr Jones struggled with his physical and mental health after suffering a stroke. 

A post-mortem examination was carried out by pathologist Eve Fryer, who determined the cause of death to be from blood loss and asphyxia. 

Area coroner Joanna Coleman read out a statement provided by one of Mr Jones's sons Jordan Jones. 

It said: “We had a very close relationship. He was a family man. He was happy, but he struggled with his health conditions. 

“Most of the time, he couldn't face going out due to being in pain. He struggled with his mental health, but he was trying to get help for this. 

“He seemed happy at the barbecue and in high spirits.”

Another of his sons, Carlin Jones, also said in a statement: “I lived with my dad for five years. He was loving and caring and enjoyed spending time with his family. 

“He would go out in his garden, but not for long as he struggled with his mobility.”

Charlie Guinan was Mr Jones's friend for 30 years and spent time with him after the barbecue.

In his statement, he described the party as having a "good atmosphere". 

He added: "Gary was feeling tired. We were chatting about the old days. He had been really suffering since he had a stroke. 

"I had no idea he was going to do this and it's absolutely bizarre that he is no longer here." 

The coroner gave a verdict of suicide. She added: “I am satisfied on the balance of probability that he intended to take his own life.”

Ms Coleman offered her condolences to his family. 

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