A VETERINARY nurse who was found dead in Prestatyn took his own life, an inquest concluded.

Stefan William Matan, 40, was pronounced deceased on Friday, August 19, 2022 after his body was found in a wooded area adjacent to Pontins Prestatyn Sands Holiday Park, on the edge of Barkby Avenue.

Mr Matan, originally from Swanwick, Derbyshire, was on a family holiday in Prestatyn at the time, having celebrated his 40th birthday on August 16.

A veterinary nurse for more than 20 years, he had two children with his first wife, Claire, before marrying his second wife, Ann-Marie in 2022, living in Newton, Nottinghamshire together.

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The full inquest, held in Ruthin today (January 12), heard that Mr Matan had previously suffered episodes of anxiety, and had been prescribed antidepressants.

In a statement, his wife, Ann-Marie, said that he was “very depressed” when they first met, and that he had tried to take his life on two occasions prior to them meeting each other.

She said: “Stefan was such a loved person; it was hard not to fall in love with him instantly when he walked into a room.

“I remember Stefan saying ‘I feel weak’ when the demands of depression took over. Since he met me, he was very happy, and believed he didn’t need medication anymore.”

After their honeymoon, the inquest heard, the couple moved into a larger family home, which she described as being a “very stressful time”, with Mr Matan “quiet some days”.

Recalling his 40th birthday, she said Mr Matan “didn’t want to get up”, adding that she “didn’t think he was quite himself”.

She added: “I was anxious and crying sometimes, but Stefan made me feel better.

“He took pride in his work, and was the kindest man you could ever meet. He would do anything for anyone, and was always there to help anyone, with a smile and advice.

“He had two sons of his own, who he loved a lot, and also two stepchildren, who he made room for in his heart.”

The inquest heard that he had left the caravan he and his family were staying in during the evening of August 18, before later telephoning his wife.

A report was then made that Mr Matan was missing.

Documents provided by the Welsh Ambulance Service added that Mr Matan was found by holidaymakers walking to the beach, lying next to a tree fully clothed.

Dr Muhammad Aslam, a consultant pathologist at Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan, who undertook Mr Matan’s post-mortem, provided a provisional cause of death of hanging.

Kate Sutherland, assistant coroner for North Wales East and Central, returned a conclusion of suicide.

She said: “He had a history back in 2018 of being under the mental health services for treatment, and had a history of depression, for which he was medicated.

“But certainly, in the years prior to his death, he didn’t take antidepressant medication, not considering that he needed to.

“On balance, I consider that the cause of death can be recorded as hanging.

“It seems there were some previous attempts at self-harm, and that he was suffering even at the time of his death. There was also history of mental health problems.

“I consider that he did intend death to be the consequence of his actions.”

Ms Sutherland added her deepest sympathies to Mr Matan’s family following his “terribly tragic” death.

She said: “He was clearly struggling, but what’s evident to me from the number of you attending this inquest is the love, care and support that you had for him, and that he, no doubt, had for you.

“I hope that, despite (Mr Matan) only being 40, you have some good memories, and that in time, you’ll be able to remember those good and better times.

“Until then, my sincere condolences to every single one of you, and my best wishes.

“I can’t begin to imagine how Stefan’s children are managing. The loss of a parent is terribly, terribly tragic; I’d like to pass on my condolences (to them), as well.”

For support, contact the Samaritans by calling 116 123.