A devoted County Durham dad who was "too young to die" took his own life, an inquest has ruled.
Paul Craggs, 40, was found dead at his home in Newton Aycliffe on January 7 by police after loved ones became concerned for his welfare.
The inquest, held at Durham and Darlington Coroner’s Court, heard they hadn’t been able to reach Mr Craggs since January 1 and contacted the police.
On January 7, officers went to Mr Craggs’ home and tragically found him.
The court heard that in the weeks leading up to his death, Mr Craggs had been receiving support from a counselling service and his doctor for personal issues but his outlook seemed to be improving.
Mr Craggs had not indicated that he wished to take his own life, the court was told.
But when officers entered Mr Craggs’ home they found a “notepad full of notes for his friends, family and ex-girlfriend”, with one tragically saying he wanted to die.
A post-mortem examination ruled the cause of death as hanging and the court also heard Mr Craggs had alcohol in his system.
A toxicology report found there was 137mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood - the legal drink drive limits is 80mg per 100ml of blood.
Assistant coroner Doctor Leslie Hamilton recorded a ruling of suicide.
He said: “He had many issues and had gone to the appropriate people in terms of getting help and seemed to be improving with that.
"Whatever triggered the action on this occasion, we will never know.
"It is always difficult when someone takes their own life, it leaves more questions than answers."
Due to the factors leading up to his death and the notes, Dr Hamilton said it was "likely he intended to take his own life".
After his death, tributes flooded in for Mr Craggs who was a loving dad to his 11-year-old son.
Friend and former colleague Leanne Raine said: "Paul loved a laugh, he had a brilliant sense of humour.
"He enjoyed spending time with his mates. I still can't believe it.
"He doted on his son Rhys, who he used to see on weekends. He was a really good lad.
"It's heartbreaking that Paul has gone, he was far too young to leave us."
A fundraising appeal raised more than £3,500 in his memory.
