A father texted his ex-partner, "Tell the kids I'm sorry" before hanging himself in his flat.
Out-of-work builder Steven Codrington, 32, was found slumped at a table at his home in Hanover Street, Croydon.
He had recently broken up with his partner, the mother of his children, an inquest was told this week.
He was found by police officers who barged down the door but had already died after suffering cardiac arrest.
South London Coroner's Court heard that Mr Codrington, who had battled alcoholism, sent his ex-partner a series of messages before he hung himself.
In one, he wrote: "Tell the kids I'm sorry".
Another read: "I bet you are going to be happy now."
Coroner Dr Roy Palmer said Mr Codrington had been upset about the end of his relationship and his inability to see his children.
But he said a key left by Mr Codrington under a mat outside his front door created an element of doubt about whether his hanging was suicide or a "cry for help".
Dr Palmer recorded an open verdict.
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