A popular rugby league player described as "the life and soul of the party" was found dead by his own brother.
An inquest in the death of Liam Walsh heard how he was always up for a laugh but "had a sensitive side" before tragically taking his own life.
Warrington Coroner's Court also heard that the 29-year-old kissed his dog goodbye on the morning before being discovered in his garage.
It was explained that Liam had been involved in a disagreement with his wife on April 19 and afterwards she was picked up from their home by her mum, he text his mother-in-law in the early hours of the morning.
Later that day he spoke to his mother-in-law on the phone when he seemed "focused on work" and spoke about some equipment having been stolen.
On the same day, the couple returned to her parents' home to drop the dog off, and it was observed how Liam seemed upset before kissing the pet goodbye and leaving in his own car.
Heath Westerman, assistant coroner for Cheshire, heard how the former rugby player and coach, who featured for Warrington Wizards and Warrington Knights, was then later found in his garage at his Great Sankey home by his brother.
Mr Westerman confirmed that Liam had written three letters to members of his family before he was found.
After his death, one close friend said: "He was always up for a laugh and a beer, but he did have a sensitive side as well.
“I struggled with my own mental health a few years ago, and Liam was one of the first people that I turned to – he was always there if I needed anything.
“He was the life and soul of the party, but he was definitely there for anyone who needed him."
Toxicology tests showed that Liam, a site manager, had only a very low level of alcohol in his body and had no previous documented history of mental health struggles.
Mr Westerman said he had lived at the marital home for two years and had no past attempts of self-harm or expressing suicidal thoughts.
The coroner told how the 29-year-old did suffer from occasional mood swings, but nothing had been diagnosed.
Recording a verdict of suicide, Mr Westerman told Mr Walsh's family at the Parr Hall in Warrington: "I am satisfied Liam did the act himself, and by doing it he intended to end his own life."
After the tragedy, Warrington Wolves players past and present, including Jon Clarke and Declan Patton, paid tribute to Liam on social media, along with well-known comedian Adam Hills.
A special shirt was designed in his memory, with the proceeds going to support the Walsh family.
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Hundreds of mourners lined the streets last May at his funeral as the hearse made its way to Warrington Cemetery.
Crowds broke out in applause, while blue and yellow balloons were launched.
Many were wearing the special rugby shirt released in Liam’s memory and bearing his name and number on the back.
