Family still looking for answers after inquest (From Sutton Guardian)

Family of Brian Taylor still troubled as to why he took his own life in Sutton cemetery

7:00am Friday 31st August 2012 in News By James Pepper

Family of Brian Taylor still troubled as to why he took his own life in Sutton cemetery

The family of a council worker who took his own life in a cemetery are still looking for answers about his death.

Brian Kevin Taylor, 52, died in April this year of carbon monoxide poisoning, an inquest heard last week.

The father-of-four, who had no history of depression, took his car out in the early hours of the morning of April 21.

After hearing Mr Taylor drive away from the house, worried relatives searched the area near his home in Frederick Road, Sutton.

Hours later, Mr Taylor, was found in his car, which he had filled with exhaust fumes, at Sutton Cemetery.

Coroner Dr Roy Palmer told the inquest Mr Taylor had sent messages to his family that led him to believe he meant to kill himself.

Police tried desperately to save Mr Taylor, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nephew Lee Taylor, a funeral director, said the family still did not have any answers as to how the Sutton Council worker, a street scene enforcement officer who worked to crackdown on problems like littering and flytipping, had wanted to die.

He said: "I went to the inquest to get answers, but we have just come away with more questions."

"He was such a kind, hard working, loving, family man. On the day of the funeral there would not have been an employee in the council building, they were all here. He was so popular."

"I think my favourite memory of him was when he acted as our pest control. We had a wasps nest in the garden and he came along, poked it with a stick, and ran. It was so funny."

Recording a verdict of suicide, coroner Dr Roy palmer said: "I have to be sure he intended to take his own life, and although there was no note, the messages to his family lead me to the conclusion that he killed himself."