James Rigby was 23 when he died (Picture: Cavendish)

A former soldier killed himself on Mother’s Day after he was caught drink driving.

James Rigby, 23, feared ‘losing everything’ after he was arrested in the early hours of the morning and failed a roadside breath test.

It is feared he began drinking heavily after being released from police following five hours in custody.

He had promised to ring his mum Karen Hupton to tell her he loved her, but she became worried when he failed to phone her.


The former Kingsman was found hanged at the home he shared with his mother in Tyldesley, Greater Manchester.

He left a final message on his Facebook page on March 31 this year which read: ‘2019 what a year…’

James Rigby pictured with mother Karen (Picture: Cavendish)

Police found up to 40 beer bottles, a Jack Daniels bottle and a rum bottle all empty in his bedroom.



An inquest heard James had joined the Army at 16 and was based at Catterick garrison, North Yorkshire, but he went AWOL three years later during a secret battle against depression.

It is believed MoD officers were unaware of his illness and he was sent to a military prison.

In a statement read to the Bolton hearing, his brother Andrew Rigby said: ‘Looking back I think this was where his problems began.

‘He had never discussed a lot with us and tended to keep a lot bottled up. But he later found work locally making bandages and that was something he really loved. He was every inch the life and soul of the party.

Police found up to 40 beer bottles, a Jack Daniels bottle and a rum bottle all empty in his bedroom (Picture: Cavendish)

‘I thought that his life was coming back together when he got back with his girlfriend but it seemed to me that they were always the arguing type. They split up again three to four weeks before his death but James’s life seemed to be sorting out – with a job he enjoyed.

Mr Rigby added: ‘I find it hard to sleep because I keep replaying it over and over again. We have been deeply traumatised by what had happened and we would give anything to have our wonderful James with us.’

James’ best friend Josh Lynch said in a statement: ‘James suffered from depression when he came out of the army but everyone thought that he was feeling much happier. He told me he had been at the police station all night and kept saying he had lost everything.

‘I told him not to think about doing anything stupid and I was a bit shocked at what he was saying – but I didn’t take it seriously because I thought he was just really down about what happened. I never thought he was actually going to kill himself.’

GoFundMe appeal set up by James friends later raised £11,155 in aid of the suicide charity Crisis.

Recording a conclusion of death by suicide coroner Simon Nelson, said: ‘I take the view that this may well have been an act on the part of James Rigby that would have been spontaneous.

‘He may well not have thought of the consequences in relation to the effects of his catastrophic actions upon those who are close to him and his own personal consequences.’

Need support? Contact the Samaritans For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.