A much-loved dad and family member who worked as a self-employed gardener was tragically found passed away within the grounds of a property which he had maintained for many years after being reported missing. Concerns for the welfare of William Delmonico were raised with police on March 28, 2023, after having not been seen for a few days.
The 48-year-old was found a few hours later in a remote area of a customer's home in Sidmouth. An inquest at Exeter Coroners Court today, December 12, heard Mr Delmonico, who was born in New York and was half-Italian, had struggled with his mental health since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
He had been going through a divorce and was said to have been drinking more since lockdown which had impacted on his physical and mental well-being. Despite his personal battles, he maintained regular contact with his beloved son and other loved ones, including his brother Dominic who he was said to have been very close to.
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In a statement read out during the inquest, his brother told how their family had moved to Cornwall when Mr Delmonico was just over a year old and his memories of him growing up were that he was always a happy boy with a good circle of friends.
He recalled the family had been rocked by the death of their eldest sister in 2007 when she was killed while driving to work on the A30 when a lorry on the wrong side of the road collided with her vehicle. Their mum then passed away 18 months later.
He told how he had been aware that during lockdown Mr Delmonico's alcohol intake had increased but said he would still be 'cheery and upbeat' and was very adept at telling people what he thought they wanted or needed to hear.
In November 2021, he said Mr Delmonico had been suicidal but was found after sending goodbye messages to loved ones. He was located at the same place he tragically ended his life.
His brother said: "It was the place he had gone a year and a half earlier, only this time it was not to say goodbye. He will be forever loved and forever missed."
Shatter the Silence
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Ultimately, we want to reduce the number of people who die by suicide in Devon. We will highlight where to get help and show how talking has helped people come through difficult times in their lives. We will speak to families who have lost loved ones to look at the lasting impact of suicide and attempt to dismiss the inaccurate belief many people who are struggling manifest that they are a burden on the ones they love. We will look at the devastation caused to those left behind in the hope that even one reader might change their mind if they have considered taking their own life.
We will speak to people who have survived a suicide attempt and have accessed counselling or other mental health services to show that things can get better. We will speak to Samaritans volunteers about their vital work in Devon and how they are on hand 24-7 to listen. And we will offer guidance on what to say to someone who is struggling so people feel more confident to have that conversation.
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WHERE TO GET HELP:
SAMARITANS offers support in a range of ways, including a self-help app, email support or by calling 116 123 for free 24 hours a day
NHS Offers advice on how to access mental health support
TALKWORKS is a free-to-access NHS service offering a variety of treatment and support for adults (aged 18+) living in Devon (excluding Plymouth)
CALM offer a free, confidential helpline 0800 58 58 58 and webchat, 7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about life's problems
HUB OF HOPE is a mental health support database that can signpost you to local support services
ANDY'S MAN CLUB offers men a chance to talk with like-minded people. They have clubs in Devon as well as nationally
KOOTH & QWELL provides free, safe and anonymous online mental wellbeing support, including moderated peer support forums and text-based counselling, to all residents living in Devon (aged 11+)
PETE'S DRAGONS provide free-to-access support to all residents living in Devon who may have been bereaved by suicide at any point in their lives
THE MOORINGS is an emotional support service that provides telephone and face-to-face support via a drop-in service at its bases in Exeter, Barnstaple and Torquay. It is a non-clinical service but provides emotional support, signposting to other services and other general support that is tailored to the people who access it.
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Further details about his life were shared in a statement by his ex-wife Charlotte Delmonico. She recalled how they had been friends at school and had then got together later on in life after reconnecting on Facebook.
They married in 2011 and then had a son two years later. Sadly, the relationship ended in 2020. Ms Delmonico said there had been no issues with his mental health or drinking that she had been aware of during their time together.
She described him as a 'chilled, simple person', who had become increasingly more paranoid since the coronavirus pandemic. She said she became concerned for his welfare when he did not respond to any of her messages since March 22, and had not picked up their son as arranged.
His housemate told in a statement how he had last seen him on March 22, and that he had seemed his 'normal self'. The last person to see him alive is believed to have been the owner of the property where he worked.
She told how he had appeared to be a troubled and unhappy soul but was 'very intelligent' with what she believed was a background in structural engineering or surveying.
She added: "He had physically deteriorated a lot."
His GP notes confirmed Mr Delmonico was offered support to help with his mental health and drinking. A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of his death was asphyxia due to hanging. It was noted he had been 'significantly intoxicated' when he passed away and cannabis had also been detected.
Recording a conclusion of suicide, Alison Longhorn, area coroner for Exeter and Greater Devon, said: "It appears to me he had struggled during the pandemic and drunk more heavily than he had previously."
She continued: "I am satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, sadly, that Billy took his own life that day and intended to do so." Extending her sympathy to his family, she said: "It is clear he was very much loved and will be missed by you all."
