Russ Foster-Jones, 51, a former Group Captain and Provost Marshall of the RAF police force, was found hanged at an Airbnb near Garstang, Lancashire, on June 19, 2025. An inquest at County Hall in Preston on July 21, 2026, heard that he had been under investigation for alleged misconduct during his RAF service.
Investigation and Impact on Mental Health
The Service Complaints and Conduct Body (SBCC), an independent body that investigates complaints against the RAF, contacted Mr Foster-Jones in November 2024 to inform him of a complaint made in April 2024. He officially left the RAF in May 2024. The details of the allegations were not revealed at the inquest, but his family said he was "deeply affected" by the investigation.
Mr Foster-Jones was interviewed under caution at Lancashire Police HQ in Hutton. His widow, Emma Foster-Jones, said he was worried about the investigation and sought help from his employers at BAE Systems, where he had started a role in 2023. He was suspended from work pending the outcome of the probe and attended ten sessions with a BAE psychotherapist, after which he felt he no longer needed help.
Final Days and Suicide
In June 2025, Mr Foster-Jones sent a timed text message to a friend saying he had taken his own life. Police attended and found him safe and well. He stated he was feeling better and was not a risk to himself. The next day, emergency services were called to an Airbnb in Churchtown, where he was found dead. Video notes and messages were discovered on his phones.
The Royal Air Force Police posted at the time: "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Group Captain (Retired) Russ Foster-Jones on Thursday, 19 June 2025. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time."
Coroner's Findings
Area coroner Emma Mather recorded a conclusion of suicide. She noted that the investigation was managed in a "flawed" way but said it was impossible to determine if that alone contributed to his declining mental health. Mr Foster-Jones, she said, would have been very worried about the outcome of the probe. Questions were raised about the investigation process and support given to him.
Mrs Foster-Jones said: "He was a good man with a strong sense of duty. He was deeply affected by the suggestion that he had done something wrong."
If you have been affected by this story, the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 116 123 in the UK and Ireland, free of charge.
