An experienced and much-loved soldier who struggled with anxiety and depression due to post-traumatic stress disorder after his service in the Army took his own life, an inquest has heard.
Wesley McDonnell served for 20 years in the British Army, going on tours to Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.
But in January, the 35-year-old was found dead in a children's play area at Queens Park Recreation Centre, Boundary Road, St Helens.
The tragic discovery was made by a dog walker at 7.50am on January 26 and the emergency services were called.
Mr McDonnell had a backpack in his possession that contained an Army identification card, stating his name and his rank, based in the Episkopi Garrison, Cyprus.
The inquest was told that at the time of his death, he was not on active service, preparing for active service or in training, and was "in effect on a sabbatical."
A conclusion of suicide was recorded at the hearing at Bootle Town Hall.
David Woodroofe, coroner's officer, read from a doctor's report which told how Mr McDonnell had a medical history of anxiety and depression.
Mr McDonnell's family have previously spoken of how their loved one had struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder due to his time in the Army.
Mr McDonnell began his military career with the 1st Battalion, The Queen’s Lancashire Regiment, before time with The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.
He completed an infantryman course at Catterick in 2001 and was then deployed as a rifleman to Northern Ireland.
The St Helens man was deployed to Iraq in 2006 as a section commander and then completed three separate tours to Afghanistan between 2007 and 2015.
Coroner Julie Goulding said: "Wesley Mark McDonnell had been a sergeant in the British Army, he had suffered with mental health and alcohol related problems since about 2016 and at the time of his death on January 26 at Queen’s Park Recreation Centre Boundary Road St Helens, Merseyside, he had taken unpaid leave from his post."
After his death, his niece, Lauren, who thought of her uncle more like a dad, paid tribute to him.
She said: "Wez spent his life devoted to the Army he served for nearly 20 years.
"To say his family and friends are proud is an understatement.
"Wez, you will never know just how much you made us all so proud.
"It wasn’t just family and friends either, you made our town of St Helens proud.
"Nobody could replace you or fill the emptiness in our hearts.
"But we are trying to understand your choice and, although it’s hard, we know you are free and in a beautiful place now.
"Wez, you are loved beyond belief and you will be hugely missed by so many of us."
The British Army also paid tribute to the recruit who signed up at the age of 17.
A spokesman said: "Sergeant McDonnell will be remembered as a proud, professional soldier who was loyal, committed to service and put the need of others before his own.
"Kind and generous, his wisdom and company will be missed by many.
"He will be fondly remembered by his regimental family."
The soldier also served in Cyprus, Kenya, Canada, Germany and the Falkland Islands.
At the end of September, Marie Rimmer, St Helens South & Whiston MP, spoke of Mr McDonnell's case, as his sad death happened just outside her home.
The politician called for greater mental health support for those in the armed forces before discharge.
And she said: “There are no greater people in our country than our armed forces personnel.
"They are the brave men and women that put their own lives on the line to protect all of us.
"As a country, there is a duty to look after our veterans.
"But the care plan needs to be put in place before our men and women leave service.
"I hope the government looks at ways to improve the situation.
"After all, our veterans looked after us, we should look after them.”
