An inquest has opened into the death of a much-loved dad who died after falling from a bridge over the M60.
Darren Brennan sadly died on March 9 after falling from the bridge near his home in Blackley, north Manchester.
The 40-year-old suffered 'unsurvivable' injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Tragically, it is believed he took his own life.
An inquest into Darren's death was opened and adjourned at Manchester Coroner's Court today (Thursday).
In a statement read to the hearing, police coroner's officer Marie Logan said passing motorists saw Darren fall from the bridge near junction 19 of the motorway.
"Members of the public stopped to provide assistant and the air ambulance attended", Ms Logan added.
"Darren sustained unsurvivable injuries in the fall and was pronounced dead at the scene."
There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding Darren's death, the police coroner's officer said.
At the full inquest hearing, a post-mortem report and toxicology report will be provided.
Coroner Rachel Galloway said statements must be obtained from Darren's family, police and his GP - but not from the Greater Manchester mental health team, as Darren had not been linked to them since 2007.
An inquest review will take place on May 20.
Following Darren's tragic death, tributes flooded in for him.
His family, including mum Bernie, 62, and brother Will, 30, were left devastated and 'in shock'.
A former pupil of Our Lady's RC school, Darren was well-known in the Blackley area as a talented footballer who almost made it as a player for his beloved Manchester City as a teenager.
He leaves behind his long-term partner Jenny and three children from a previous relationship, including a daughter who was due to give birth around the same time as Darren's birthday this month.
"He was looking forward to the baby," Bernie told the M.E.N .
"He said 'I hope she has her on my birthday Ma', he was over the moon.
"We're all in shock, everybody is devastated."
Will added: "Daz was just a big part in everyone's life. He helped other people with their mental health.
"People do struggle don't they, there should be more help out there."
