10-06-2025
First responder rushed to suspected suicide only to find the victim was his own son, inquest hears
A community first responder was called out to a suspected suicide near his home before discovering the victim was his son.
Robert White senior was called out to an incident just 100 metres from his family home in Torpoint, Cornwall, one night last September.
Upon arriving to the scene at 11.15pm, he realised the patient was his 29-year-old son Robert White junior.
Police said Mr White senior was in 'work mode, calm and composed' despite him trying to save his son using lifesaving protocols.
Cornwall Coroner's Court heard drink and drugs had become part of Robert junior's life and he was booted out of the Royal Engineers after failing a drugs test in 2021.
He had lost his fabricating job a month before his death because of his drinking and he had downed alcohol and also had cocaine, amphetamine and diazepam in his system before his death.
The coroner concluded Robert killed himself and intended to do so. His partner was seven months pregnant with their second child when he died.
She also praised Mr White's bravery 'in the extraordinary circumstances in dealing with what you dealt with' on that night.
Assistant Cornwall coroner Emma Hillson said Robert White senior was called out at 11.15pm and at the scene he realised the patient was his son
The coroner heard that drink and drugs had become part of Robert Jnr's life and he was booted out of the Royal Engineers after failing a drugs test in 2021.
The inquest heard Robert and his partner had discussed their financial issues after he lost his fabricating job a month before.
A friend suggested Robert could claim more benefits if he said he was single.
But Robert took that suggestion badly because he thought it was an attempt to split him up from his partner.
The couple argued and Robert went out to clear his head. He was seen by people carrying an extension lead and later told a friend he had tried to hang himself.
His body was found in a grassy area by some flats in Torpoint and sadly efforts to revive him failed.
