Brit ex-world judo champ Craig Fallon, 36, hanged himself after telling girlfriend ‘this was my choice’ in final email
A TRAGIC former judo world champion emailed his girlfriend to say “this was my choice” before he hanged himself, an inquest heard.
Craig Fallon, 36, was discovered in woods at Wrekin hill, near Telford, Shrops, on July 15 this after a desperate search by family and police.
An inquest heard members of his family were searching for three hours after he went missing the day before.
West Mercia Police were called shortly after but the search was called off due to bad light and resumed at 5am the next day before his body was found near a campsite three miles from his home.
Today, an inquest held at Shrewsbury Coroners Court was told how dad-of-one Craig emailed his partner Rebecca at around 6pm on the day he vanished.
Shopshire coroner John Ellery said: “As I understand it, his last communication was at this time.
TRAGIC EMAIL
“We know, as this was on the Sunday evening, that Craig was still alive then.
“He left a long email to you Rebecca, but I am not going to read it out as it is personal and private.
“There is one line that was relevant where Craig said: ‘Remember, this was my choice’.
“That tells me that this was not accidental. There is sufficient evidence to reach the conclusion of suicide.”
Mr Ellery then invited the family to speak, which they declined to do so.
He added: “On that basis, I will close the inquest. With my condolences to you, I record a conclusion of suicide.”
JUDO HERO
Having won the under 60kg World Championship title in 2005, Fallon went on to claim the 2006 European Championship and the 2007 World Cup.
The Ipswich born Judoka is the last Brit to win a world title and only the third British male to achieve the feat.
He is one of only two British men to be a World and European champion at the same time.
Fallon later competed at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, where he placed seventh, before retiring from the sport in 2011 to take up a coaching role.
He was less than five months into his role as head coach of the Welsh Judo Association (WJA) when he died.
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
- Movember, www.uk.movember.com
On hearing the news, his former coach Fitzroy Davis said: “Knowing Craig from the age of 15, I can look back on our time working together with fond memories and fun times.
“At the pinnacle of his career, winning the World Championships in Cairo in 2005, he was one of the true greats of British judo.
“His dedication to the sport he loved will stay with me forever and I will cherish the time we spent together.
“Craig will be a huge loss to the sport, but I hope his achievements and his incredible story will inspire future generations to come.”
British Judo performance director Nigel Donohue said at the time: “Firstly Craig is a son and father, as well as an outstanding judo fighter of his generation.
“Craig was a fantastic ambassador for British Judo and is our most successful athlete in the modern era.”
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WJA Chief executive Darren Warner said: “We are deeply saddened by the recent loss of our head of coaching, Craig Fallon.
“Our heartfelt sympathies are with his family during this difficult time.
“He was only with the organisation for a short time but was a joy to work with and will be sorely missed.”
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or visit Mind’s website.