Ethan Joseph, 28, was found dead on train tracks in North Staffordshire on November 9, after leaving his Newcastle-under-Lyme home the previous day at around 2pm to attend a close friend's party in Manchester. Concerns were raised at approximately 9.49am on November 9 following the discovery of a body beside the tracks.
Police and paramedics at the scene
Sergeant Adam Goodall was among the first police officers to arrive. He told the inquest: "I arrived at around 10.28am. I could see that paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service and Network Rail workers were already on the scene."
"I was informed that life had already been pronounced extinct. Paramedics could see the patient had suffered injuries incompatible with life and consistent with being struck by a train," he added.
Struggles with addiction and mental health
Ethan's mother revealed he had been experiencing suicidal thoughts and had made a suicide attempt in April 2025. She explained: "From a relatively young age, Ethan had been using cannabis and MCAT."
"His drug and alcohol use increased when he got older. He was a regular user of cocaine and ketamine and drank lots. Every weekend was a party weekend. He spent several summers in Ibiza and returned home burnt out," she said.
Two years before his death, Ethan was feeling very guilty and disgusted by his addiction to ketamine, cocaine, and alcohol. He would become depressed and talk about suicidal ideation. In April 2024, he paid to go into rehab.
"He came out and within weeks he was back on drugs and alcohol. Ethan often berated himself due to his drug use as he wanted to be a good drug-free father," his mum added.
Inquest findings
The inquest heard that the self-employed tree surgeon had gained access to the railway line through a railway yard, using a specialist network key he possessed for professional reasons. Snap bags containing 'white powder' and a bottle of whisky were discovered at the location.
Consultant pathologist Mark Stevens stated Ethan suffered a traumatic head injury. Toxicology analysis revealed he had recreational levels of alcohol and cocaine in his system.
Ethan had self-referred to Staffordshire Treatment and Recovery Service in April, August and October — however, he was discharged on all three occasions owing to insufficient engagement. The inquest also learned that Ethan had lately received an ADHD diagnosis.
Bethany Alcock, a Community Psychiatric Nurse at North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, told the inquest that Ethan had been referred for talking therapies on 15 October. During his assessment, Ethan spoke about difficulties with emotional instability, relationship breakdowns and drug misuse. A follow-up appointment was scheduled for 20 November — however, Ethan tragically took his own life before that date arrived.
Ms Alcock explained that Ethan had not been classified as high-risk because he did not report experiencing active suicidal thoughts at the time. She added that Ethan had been offered an appointment within the five-week standard national timeframe.
Coroner Daniel Howe recorded a conclusion of suicide. Mr Howe stated: "I'm satisfied that this was not an accident as he deliberately went to the location and gained access with a key."
"It's probable that he accessed the train line deliberately given his background with substance misuse and that he had been experiencing suicidal thoughts. He also experienced potential impulsivity due to his ADHD," he added.
