Posted on Apr 2, 2023
Former Royal Marines head took own life after 'substantial stress'
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The former head of the Royal Marines took his own life after experiencing "substantial stress" at work and in his marriage, an inquest has concluded.
Maj Gen Matthew Holmes, 54, was found dead at his home in Winchester, Hampshire, on 2 Oct 2021.
He had recently lost his position as Commandant General and was facing a marital break-up, the inquest heard.
He served in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, and led the Royal Marines from 2019 until April 2021.
Maj Gen Matthew Holmes, 54, was found dead at his home in Winchester, Hampshire, on 2 Oct 2021.
He had recently lost his position as Commandant General and was facing a marital break-up, the inquest heard.
He served in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, and led the Royal Marines from 2019 until April 2021.
Former Royal Marines head took own life after 'substantial stress'
Posted from bbc.com
Marines
United Kingdom
Suicide
Mental Health
Depression
Posted 1 y ago
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SSgt Richard Kensinger
Males are far more likely to complete while females are more likely to attempt.
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Rich
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel good day Brother William, always informational and of the most interesting. Thanks for sharing, have a blessed day!
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."Kind and generous'
His sister Sarah Adkins told the hearing: "He said the main thing that was on the front burner of his mind was the way in which his career had been brought to conclusion."
Hampshire coroner Jason Pegg said Maj Gen Holmes' death by hanging was contributed to by "substantial stress".
Following the hearing, Mrs Holmes issued a tribute to her "kind and generous" husband.
In a statement, she said: "Matt was exceptionally proud to have served as Commandant General of the Royal Marines and his service was recognised by being awarded a DSO and CBE.
"Following Matt's death, we also learned that he had been awarded the Legion of Merit by the United States of America for his exceptionally meritorious service in Afghanistan.
"Not a day would go by without him thinking of the men under his command who were lost or injured; and of course, their families.
"Alongside the demands of his career, Matt was a loving father who adored his children and would have hugely admired their resilience over the last 18 months."
..."Kind and generous'
His sister Sarah Adkins told the hearing: "He said the main thing that was on the front burner of his mind was the way in which his career had been brought to conclusion."
Hampshire coroner Jason Pegg said Maj Gen Holmes' death by hanging was contributed to by "substantial stress".
Following the hearing, Mrs Holmes issued a tribute to her "kind and generous" husband.
In a statement, she said: "Matt was exceptionally proud to have served as Commandant General of the Royal Marines and his service was recognised by being awarded a DSO and CBE.
"Following Matt's death, we also learned that he had been awarded the Legion of Merit by the United States of America for his exceptionally meritorious service in Afghanistan.
"Not a day would go by without him thinking of the men under his command who were lost or injured; and of course, their families.
"Alongside the demands of his career, Matt was a loving father who adored his children and would have hugely admired their resilience over the last 18 months."
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