Mr Joseph Darnell, a widower aged 77, died on Sunday morning at home, 63, High-street South, Rushden. His wife died recently and he was alone in the house at 9.15 when his siter-in-law, who lives next door, tried in vain to enter.

The relative obtained assistance from Mr W Sail, of 6, Crabb-street, and Mr P Goodman, of 39, Victoria-road, who forced an entrance.

An inquest at Rushden Police Station on Monday evening was conducted by the Deputy Coroner (Mr J S Parker).

Frank Arthur Skeeles, of Knuston Spinney, Irchester, a factory manager, and a son-in-law of the deceased, said Mr Darnell had been very depressed sicne the death of his wife two months ago. He had been attended by a doctor and some members of the family visited him every day. On Saturday he was as usual.

Mr Skeeles added that the family tried to get someone to live with Mr Darnell, but had not been successful—from Mr Darnell’s point of view. However, his sister-in-law lived next door to him and had lived there 50 years.

Attended by Doctors

Dr Miss R Goulden, of Rushden, said she was called to the house at 9.30 and found deceased lying on the kitchen floor, his head in the oven. He was moved outside and artificial respiration was tried for 35 minutes, but with no result. Death was due to gas poisoning.

In answer to Mr Peter Wilson, solicitor, who represented the family, the witness said that she and Dr McCabe had attended Mr Darnell, since his wife’s death, for nervous depression. When she saw him he was rather cheerful.

Percy Goodman, of 39, Victoria-road, Rushden, a shoe operative, said he was walking near the house at 9.20, and as a result of what he was told, looked through the kitchen window. He saw Mr Darnell lying on the floor. The door was bolted, and he gained entrance by breaking a pane of glass. Gas was escaping from an oven.

Mr Goodman added that he helped to perform artificial respiration until the police arrived.

The Coroner found that Mr Darnell took his own life, but was not responsible for his actions at the time. “He was suffering from severe depression as the result of the death of his wife”, he said.

War Reserve Constable Rice was the Coroner’s officer.

The Funeral

The funeral took place at the Rushden cemetery on Tuesday morning, the Rev Alfred Binney, minister of the Park-road Methodist Church, officiating. Family mourners in attendance were Mr and Mrs F Skeeles (son-in-law and daughter), Mr and Mrs J White (son-in-law and daughter) and Mr S Darnell, Leicester (son). By request no flowers were sent.