Coroner describes young Wigan man's death as a 'tragedy' following break-up

An inquest held yesterday heard 23-year-old Jordan Appleton died the day after ending a “turbulent and acrimonious” relationship with his girlfriend.

He was found hanged in woodland off Beech Walk, Winstanley, on the morning of April 9 by his grandfather.

But his parents Anthony and Pamela Appleton told the hearing at Bolton Coroner’s Court there had been nothing to suggest he wanted to take his own life.

Jordan, of Pine View, Winstanley, had made the decision to end the 12-month relationship that day, went fishing and spent time with his family.

Mr Appleton said he was joking with his son before he went to bed and there was nothing to give him concern.

But at 2.10am, Jordan sent a text message to his former girlfriend Jessica Greenaway saying he loved her.

She was asleep and did not read it until 6.41am.

His parents told the inquest they believed something had happened after he went to bed which led to his death.

But the inquest could not establish what that was and heard evidence that text messages sent by Jordan during the previous evening were normal conversation between friends, with no concerns raised.

A post-mortem examination found the medical cause of Jordan’s death was suspension by ligature.

Coroner Timothy Brennand recorded a conclusion of suicide, satisfied that Jordan did a deliberate act to end his life.

He said: “The circumstances touching the death of Jordan Anthony Appleton are a tragedy, a tragedy in particular for a close family who I have had the benefit of seeing today and in particular Anthony Appleton, who has given evidence in what I can only describe as a measured and courageous fashion.”

Afterwards, Jordan’s father described him as “a lovely lad” who was a “barrel of laughs”.

Jordan was a keen fisherman and a competition held in his memory in June raised more than £2,000 for charity Papyrus, which work to prevent young suicide.