Former Coronation Street and Hollyoaks actor Kevin Rowley, 47, was found dead at his home in Hulme, Manchester, suffocated in his bed alongside a heartbreaking suicide note. The inquest recorded a conclusion of suicide, revealing he had struggled with depression and anxiety since his mid-teens.
Struggles with mental health
Kevin, who appeared as an extra in the famous soaps, had battled mental health issues for years, finding it particularly difficult to face significant milestones like his 30th and 40th birthdays. His brother, Paul Rowley, said in a statement at the time: "He 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."
Paul added that Kevin had "some long term relationships, but nothing significant" and that he "made many calls for help and these got more frequent as he got older." He described his brother as someone who "kept himself fit and healthy, but he had a life long problem with depression."
Career and life
Beyond his work as a TV extra, Kevin had held various jobs, including flight attendant, holiday rep, and later a counsellor at The Sanctuary counselling service in Manchester. He had lived in Dublin for a short time and in ski resorts in Austria while working as a holiday rep.
His brother noted that Kevin had "some relationship problems and financial worries" and that he was "more open" with Paul's wife about his feelings. Their last contact was in January 2017.
Inquest details
Manchester coroner Jean Harkin recorded the suicide conclusion, stating: "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."
Fiona Winstanley, an officer at a mental health access team, said Kevin had made frequent appointments and "regularly accessed" their services, but as a counsellor himself, he didn't want to "fully get involved" with them, fearing he might run into people he worked with. She noted he had suicidal tendencies but kept things to himself, and was prescribed medication including diazepam. Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.
Tribute and fundraiser
After his death, wellwishers raised £1,600 for his funeral and the Manchester counselling service where he worked. On a Just Giving page, his friend Maz Hussain wrote: "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."
If you or anyone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7 in the UK. Call Samaritans for free from any phone on 116 123 or visit a local Samaritans branch.
