A talented and influential footballer was found dead in his work van having taken his own life, an inquest has heard.

Robert James Bayliss, who was known as Rob, was described at the time of his death as a "true gentleman", "role model" and "one of the nicest lads you could ever meet".

His death led to an outpouring of tributes from football clubs across Powys and mid Wales.

 

PB409-2016-3 Vox Pop Welshpool pictured is Rob Bayliss Picture by Phil Blagg PB409-2016-3

Rob Bayliss in Welshpool. Picture by Phil Blagg PB409-2016-3

Rob Bayliss in action for Kerry FC at TNS in 2008

Rob Bayliss in action for Kerry FC at TNS in 2008

 

Mr Bayliss, who lived in Chirbury, near Montgomery, was a popular captain at Abermule AFC and Kerry Football Club.

"As a club we are devastated and heartbroken at the passing of Bayler," Abermule AFC said in a tribute following his death. "You are a legend of our club and will forever be remembered."

Kerry FC said: "Rob was a gentleman on and off the pitch, and someone our younger players always looked up to. One of the most talented and nicest lads you could ever wish to meet."

An inquest held into the 38-year-old's death heard that there were no known mental health problems.


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

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Here we will try and answer some of your questions about what will happen, what can be reported and why.


Senior coroner John Ellery reached a conclusion of suicide at the inquest on Tuesday, January 25.

The hearing heard that on Friday, October 8, 2021, Mr Bayliss left for work as a site manager "like normal".

"He seemed his normal self, nothing out of the ordinary," senior coroner Mr Ellery said. "But during the morning you, Teri (Mr Bayliss' partner), became concerned that you had no contact from him.

"At around 1pm, Teri started to look for Rob and eventually found his van in a parking area in Chirbury.

"There was a note on the front seat."

West Mercia Police officers and West Midlands Ambulance Service paramedics were called to the parking area where they found Mr Bayliss "unresponsive" inside the vehicle.

Mr Ellery added: "Sadly we now know the note indicated that Rob intended to take his own life. By his own actions and the note, I have enough evidence that Rob’s death was deliberate and it was suicide."

The senior coroner offered his condolences to Mr Bayliss' partner and family who were present at the inquest in Shirehall, Shrewsbury.

Helplines

If you would like any help with bereavement, loss or mental wellbeing, here are some helpline numbers

You can call the Samaritans on 116 123

Papyrus Hopeline on 0800 068 4141

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) on 0800 58 58 58

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) 0300 111 5065 uksobs.org