David John Senter, 54, was found dead at Barwell Infant School in Barwell, near Hinckley, where he worked as premises officer – an inquest heard he battled with PTSD
A former serviceman employed at a primary school tragically ended his own life whilst battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an inquest has concluded.
David John Senter, 54, was found dead at Barwell Infant School in Barwell, near Hinckley, last November. Mr Senter, from Tweed Way, Nuneaton, suffered from PTSD – a psychological condition that can emerge following exposure to or witnessing distressing incidents – stemming from his military service and was also taking medication for spinal pain when he passed away, the coroner revealed.
He was married and served as the school’s site manager, the inquest hearing was told.
On Thursday morning, November 27, colleagues arriving at the school grew worried when they hadn’t spotted Mr Senter, despite his vehicle being present in the car park.
The coroner explained they observed his belongings were in the staff room, which was out of character as he typically stored them in his workspace, prompting them to search his office where they discovered his body.
The coroner noted that Mr Senter’s health records showed his PTSD would resurface several times annually, leaving him feeling anxious, agitated and emotional.
Emergency services were contacted, with police and paramedics rushing to the scene.
Mr Senter was pronounced dead at 7.49am by East Midlands Ambulance Service.
A post-mortem was conducted, with Leicestershire Police confirming no suspicious circumstances surrounded the incident and no third party was implicated in Mr Senter’s death. Assistant Coroner Miss Isobel Thistlethwaite concluded an inquest in writing, recording a conclusion of suicide.
In her determination, Miss Thistlethwaite said: “I would like to express my condolences to Mr Senter’s family.”
Help for Heroes offers confidential, specialised support for veterans and their families struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, regardless of when they served. Support can be accessed via an online form or by ringing 0300 303 9888.