Kevin Rowley, a 47-year-old actor who appeared as an extra in Coronation Street and Hollyoaks, was found dead at his home in Hulme, Manchester, having suffocated in his bed. A suicide note containing his family's contact details was discovered alongside him. An inquest recorded a conclusion of suicide.
Struggles with mental health
Rowley had battled depression and anxiety since his mid-teens, with his difficulties intensifying around significant life milestones such as his 30th and 40th birthdays. He had worked as a flight attendant and holiday rep before training as a counsellor. His brother, Paul Rowley, said in a statement: "He was an extra on TV programmes such as Hollyoaks and Coronation Street, although there were long periods of time when he was out of work."
Paul added: "He had some long term relationships, but nothing significant. Kevin started to have anxiety and depression from his mid teens. He was very close to his mother and felt the force of her loss when she died. He really struggled with significant milestones including his 30th and 40th birthday. He made many calls for help and these got more frequent as he got older."
Inquest details
Manchester coroner Jean Harkin said: "It is clear that Kevin had a history of mental health issues and suicidal ideation and there is evidence he accessed support services. There was a note found detailing his wishes when he died and the evidence supports the fact that Kevin intended to die. I want to offer my sincere condolences to his friends and his brother."
Fiona Winstanley, an officer at a mental health access team, said Rowley regularly accessed their services but, being a counsellor at The Sanctuary in Manchester, he did not want to "fully get involved" with their provision. She noted: "He said he didn't want to run into people he worked with previously. He had suicidal tendencies, but he kept things to himself. He was prescribed medication to reduce anxiety, including diazepam as this had helped him in the past."
Tribute and fundraising
Following his death, well-wishers raised £1,600 towards funeral costs and donated to the Manchester counselling service where he worked. His friend Maz Hussain wrote on a Just Giving page: "Most people will remember Kevin with a smile on his face with the best sense of humour, but Kevin was also suffering from personality disorder and there was another side to him who was struggling to cope with the anxiety, depression and loneliness and it all got too much for him. No matter what you are going through, how dark it may seem and how hopeless or lost you feel please don't suffer alone, don't be afraid to use the people around you."
