Darlington dad Sheldon Kelly died by suicide after going missing

Sheldon Kelly, 29, was found on the morning June 4 after his concerned wife woke to find him missing, an inquest at Crook Coroners’ Court heard on Monday (August 12).

Police were called at 7.20am and Sheldon’s family went out searching for the missing father.

His friend Ryan Calvert and brother Wisdom Kelly found him under a bridge opposite the Otter and Fish pub in Hurworth, Darlington at about 8am, about a mile from his family home.

He had only just been discharged from intensive care having attempted to overdose.

Sheldon Kelly with wife Lisa Marie. (Image: LISA MARIE KELLY)

Giving evidence police officer PC Graham who was called to the scene said: “I attended the bridge, arriving at 8.16am whereby ambulance and fire were already on scene.

“His wife woke at 7.10am, realised he wasn’t home so she has then contacted all of the family due to the fact that [a few days earlier] he had taken an overdose where he had been in hospital in a coma.

“Ten days previous he left the home address and was found within two hours within his caravan.”

His wife Lisa Marie Kelly, who previously paid tribute to Sheldon as the “best dad”, said in a statement read in court that he had “suffered from mental health since 2018”.

It continued: “He had a real downfall in March 2024 and felt it almost impossible to pick himself up.”

A statement from the crisis team at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS mental health trust said Sheldon “was asked if he understood the severity of the attempt” and “did say he was regretful for his action”.

“He was clear on May 29 that he didn’t have any further thoughts of harming himself and felt his family and children were protecting factors.”

The inquest heard he was not under the influence of any drink or drugs at the time.

Recording a conclusion of suicide, assistant coroner Dr Leslie Hamilton said: “He was being managed by his GP and seemed to be improving after taking an overdose and being admitted to hospital and required time in intensive care but recovered from that well.

“A plan was made to continue supporting him as an outpatient. Then he, on the fourth of June left home early in the morning and went to the bridge and took his own life.”

Lisa Marie, who was with Sheldon for 14 years, previously told The Northern Echo he “took a piece of her with him” when he passed.

Floral tributes to Sheldon Kelly. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

She said: “Sheldon was the best dad to our children and the best husband. Anything he did, he did for his family.

“He was such a caring, loving, person. The past few weeks have just been heartbreaking. He definitely took a piece of me with him.

“It’s not goodbye, it’s I’ll see you soon my best friend.”

Funeral for Sheldon Kelly in Darlington. (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

There was a huge turnout for a funeral service for Sheldon at St Cuthbert’s Church in Darlington with mourners lining the streets to see dozens of blue and white floral tributes brought on vans.

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