An inquest revealed that a bet365 employee tragically lost £3,000 at a casino before plummeting to his death from a bridge.
Michael Heath, aged 24, passed away on July 29 after falling from a bridge above the A500 and being struck by a heavy goods vehicle. Despite previous suicide attempts, there were no visible signs of mental health struggles leading up to the incident.
Based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Michael had battled mixed anxiety and depressive disorder following an overdose in January 2020. However, his mental health had shown significant improvement, with no red flags noticed by his loved ones before his untimely death.
During the inquest, Michael’s father shared that his son worked as an online customer service advisor for bet365, alternating between office and remote night shifts.
Despite concerns about his return to work due to flu-like symptoms necessitating time off, Michael’s father noted that there were no overt issues with his job performance. His son had even received praise from customers.
On the day of the tragic event, Michael’s friend and coworker recounted their interactions, mentioning a visit to a casino where Michael exceeded his gambling limit. Subsequently, Michael transferred funds to his friend to continue gambling before the two left, with Michael seeming positive about his future plans.
Forensic analysis revealed that Michael died from injuries sustained by being hit by a vehicle. Toxicology results indicated the presence of alcohol and cocaine in his system. The coroner ruled his death as suicide, citing evidence of intent through messages sent to close contacts.
For those seeking mental health support, the Samaritans can be contacted at 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org. Visit samaritans.org to locate the nearest branch for assistance.