Tributes paid to 'inspirational' Weymouth RSPB worker (From Dorset Echo)

Tributes paid to 'inspirational' Weymouth RSPB worker

5:53pm Sunday 10th February 2013 in News

AN 'INSPIRATIONAL' nature lover took his own life after leaving a heartfelt goodbye note, an inquest heard.

Weymouth RSPB worker Nicholas Quintrell was found hanged at his home on September 10 last year. At an inquest into his death, coroner for Dorset Sheriff Payne heard how the 39-year-old had been plagued by troubles and was finding it hard to cope. Statements read to the court told how Mr Quintrell had lost his mother, was suffering from pleurisy, had struggled to get over a break-up and was finding it difficult to cope with a re-structure at work. Mr Quintrell, who was captain of the Martinstown Cricket Club, left a suicide note which Mr Payne described as 'one of the most eloquent notes that I have seen'.

The former blogger was described as a great writer and intelligent man by family and friends at the inquest. The court heard from Mr Quintrell's line manager, Mark Singleton, who said that he had tried his best to help Mr Quintrell, who had been off work since July. He added that Mr Quintrell had been struggling with a recent re-shuffle and in particular, his previous line manager's departure. Mr Singleton added: “I was trying to do my best for him but he was just so affected by the changes.”

The inquest heard that Mr Quintrell had become increasingly isolated, spending a lot of time alone in his room at a shared house and RSPB office on Goldcroft Road, Weymouth. One of Mr Quintrell's housemates had called the police after becoming concerned for his whereabouts and finding his dog, Mazie and car at the property but no sign of Mr Quintrell himself. A suicide note was found in his room and Mr Quintrell's body was discovered in the shed by his housemate after police had arrived. Giving his verdict, Mr Payne extended his condolences to Mr Quintrell's family and friends. He said: “He left a note which is eloquent, certainly one of the most eloquent notes that I have seen and quite clearly expressed his wish and expressed the fact he didn't feel that life held any future for him.

“In light of all of the information I have to sadly record that he took his own life. It's a verdict I am always reluctant to make.”

Speaking after the inquest, Mr Quintrell's sister Tamsin Taylor described him as an intelligent and caring man who had an adventurous side. She added: “He was a fantastic, compassionate and caring man and he loved his time in the RSPB.

“He was inspirational.”

Tony Richardson, RSPB regional director for the south west said: “Nick's death was a shock and a matter of deep sadness to all those at RSPB who worked with him. “Those of us that knew Nick all agreed that his knowledge and hard work contributed massively towards creating two amazing nature reserves during his 10 years of working for RSPB in Weymouth. “He will be greatly missed by many people, staff and volunteers alike.”