Fitness-obsessed consultant took own life as divorce began

Dr Russell John Roche, 49, was found dead in a locked bathroom at Leeds General Infirmary after he had given himself two types of drug used in operating theatres.

The inquest in Leeds heard that the father-of-two’s wife Rachel had started divorce proceedings and a solicitor’s letter had been received by Dr Roche on September 16, the day before he was found dead.

In a statement, Mrs Roche said her husband had become “obsessed” with keeping fit and he had “often put it before family”.

She said her husband of 12 years worked very hard and had long hours but he enjoyed his work.

His hobbies included cycling, running and swimming but that keeping fit had become an obsession.

In a statement, Dr Roche’s sister Sarah Pugh said she had last seen her brother at their parents’ home on September 2, around two weeks before his death.

Dr Roche had received a call about a baby in intensive care who was unlikely to live.

She said her brother “almost had tears in his eyes” and it was the first time she had ever seen him so emotional about his job.

Mrs Pugh said she later received a letter from her brother which made it clear that he had been upset by things which had been said in his personal life.

Letters had also been sent to his wife and children, the inquest heard.

A police investigation found no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and concluded that Dr Roche was a very experienced consultant anaesthetist who was highly respected at the hospital. His obtaining of the drugs would have been done easily and was not out of the ordinary.

West Yorkshire Coroner David Hinchliff, recording a verdict that Dr Roche, of Leeds Road at Ilkley, had taken his own life, said: “John would have had the knowledge, experience and ability to take the action that he did. He would have been fully aware of the outcome. It suggests it was an intentional act on his part.

“It would appear that John had a great deal on his mind regarding the state of his marriage and divorce proceedings being commenced. I record a verdict that John had taken his own life while he was beset by personal problems.”

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