Paratrooper, 23, is found hanged in woods near his home after hugging mother and saying he’s hurting

Paratrooper, 23, is found hanged in woods near his home shortly after hugging his mother and saying ‘I’m hurting’

  • Luke Prior, 23, had earlier been out for a drink at the Oakwood pub in Port Talbot 
  • His body was found by dog walkers in a forest area on February 24 this year
  • Welfare officers saw no signs of stress in his personal life or depression

A paratrooper, who showed ‘no signs of depression’ hanged himself in woodland near his home shortly after hugging his mother and saying he was ‘hurting’.

Luke Prior, 23, had been out for one drink at the Oakwood pub in Port Talbot, an inquest in Swansea heard.

The next day his body was found by dog walkers in the forest area behind Heol Tabor, Cwmavon.

The next day his body was found by dog walkers in the forest area behind Heol Tabor, Cwmavon

Luke Prior, 23, had earlier been out for a drink at the Oakwood pub in Port Talbot, but had only had one drink, the Swansea inquest heard. The next day his body was found by dog walkers in the forest area behind Heol Tabor, Cwmavon.

The inquest heard there were few signs that Luke was suffering with mental health issues before he took his own life on February 24.

Two senior army officers responsible for his welfare told the inquest in a written statement there was nothing to alert them to any stress in his personal life or depression. 

From the age of 12 he had wanted to join the Army and, and signed up after turning 16.

He excelled in his exams, and was initially based with 3 Para in Colchester, Essex.

In 2017 he transferred to the elite 1st Parachute Regiment, based in St Athan in south Wales.

Two senior army officers responsible for his welfare told the inquest in a written statement there was nothing to alert them to any stress in his personal life or depression. Pictured: Luke with his elite squad

Two senior army officers responsible for his welfare told the inquest in a written statement there was nothing to alert them to any stress in his personal life or depression. Pictured: Luke with his elite squad

A general shot of the wooded area near Heol Tabor, Cwmavon where Luke was found

A general shot of the wooded area near Heol Tabor, Cwmavon where Luke was found

He had been involved in a two road accidents, one at a young age, when he was knocked over while crossing the road, and another when his car hit a tree.

Luke was also in contact with an ex-girlfriend, and had ongoing issues within the relationship.  

On Saturday, February 23, Wales played England in the Six Nations championship, and he went to the pub to watch it.

Earlier that day he had hugged his mother Christine, and told her he was hurting. 

A post-mortem examination determined Mr Prior died from pressure to the neck consistent with hanging, and acting senior coroner Colin Phillips gave a verdict of suicide.

  • For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details

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