The inquest of a man found dead from an air rifle shot to the temple at Thruxton Airport nearly three years ago has been ruled a suicide.

Simon Neil Edmondson, 48, of Cholderton, was found dead in his office at Hangar 3 of Thruxton Airport on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, having sustained a gunshot wound to the head from an air rifle.

The court heard testimony from friends, family and co-workers which painted the picture of a man who had long struggled with his mental health, often resorting to self-medication through alcohol.

Wai Chan, 40, Simon’s partner of 13 years from whom he had briefly separated but reinstated their engagement within the last two years of his life, said Mr Edmondson’s company, Edmondson Aviation, was being supported through loans in her name, having accumulated £250k in debt, which worsened his mental health.

Mr Edmondson had left home and visited the office earlier on the day of his death, despite not having been on site for months. She said Mr Edmondson had told her that he was leaving to find some peace after becoming upset that doctors were unable to refill his diazepam prescription. Ms Chan said the last place she would have expected him to go was the workplace.

The court heard from family members that there were concerns about the nature of Mr Edmondson’s relationship with Ms Chan, with accusations that he wished to leave the relationship.

Ms Chan said they had briefly separated and he had begun a relationship with Frances Thorne, whom he had known from his days in school, but that Ms Chan and Mr Edmondson’s engagement had been reinstated by the time of his death.

Ms Chan said that Mr Edmondson was “trying to live his life through the lens of social media”, displaying a level of wealth beyond that which he had. He reportedly purchased luxury cars on the credit of the company, including a McLaren, a Range Rover and a Porsche.

Ms Chan also said that he was using her personal credit to fund regular expenses of the company, such as payroll.

She said: “He would always get me to sign up for loans.”

Ms Chan spoke about ways in which she tried to support Mr Edmondson with his mental health, including communicating with doctors.

She said: “I don’t know what else I could have done to get him help.”

Ms Thorne also said in a statement that Mr Edmondson was a 'compassionate, kind and lovely person' who had struggled with 'low self-esteem'.

Mr Edmondson's mother, Mrs Wilkinson told the court that her son was 'quiet but full of fun'.

Mrs Wilkinson said that he was a 'victim of circumstance' and had a difficult relationship with his fiancée of 13 years, Ms Chan, making plans to leave her earlier that year.

Members of the family also questioned Ms Chan on other matters, including her delay in informing Companies House of Mr Edmondson’s death.

The inquest, held at Winchester Coroner's Court on April 22, was ruled as suicide.

Senior coroner Christopher Wilkinson gave his condolences to the family and said: "It is to be noted that he had a mountain of debt he couldn't find his way out of. He was in a tumultuous relationship and was unwilling to engage with support services.

"There were no suspicious circumstances or third-party involvement. It is more likely than not that he took his own life."

READ MORE: What happens at an inquest and what can the press report?

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