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Estate agent Alex Quealy took his own life at home in Wincheap

A young estate agent whose family raised more than £11,000 in his memory took his own life, an inquest heard today.

Alex Quealy was found hanged at his flat in Scott Avenue, Wincheap, on April 1 by his younger brother.

The 23-year-old, who worked in Ashford, was discovered by 18-year-old Finn, who told the inquest at Margate Coroners’ Court of their close relationship.

Alex Quealy. Picture: JustGiving.com
Alex Quealy. Picture: JustGiving.com

He said he did not think his brother had any suicidal thoughts.

“I would get worried sometimes that it would be a last resort-type thought,” he said. “But I never thought he would take his own life.

“He would get severely stressed and he would get angry. Sometimes he would drink excessively.”

The inquest heard no suicide note was left and there was no previous history of mental health issues.

Kent College pupil Finn recalled how he and his brother and their friends had been on a night out in Canterbury a couple of days before his death.

“When I spoke to him on the Wednesday, he seemed fine,” he said. “Then I tried to call him and he hadn’t responded and he hadn’t been on Facebook. He had previously lost a few phones so we thought he might have lost his phone.”

Growing increasingly concerned, Finn drove to his brother’s home and let himself in with a spare key.

It was then he made the tragic discovery.

“I would get worried sometimes that it would be a last resort-type thought,” he said. “But I never thought he would take his own life..." - Finn Quealy

Paramedics were called and Alex was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination later revealed he had been drinking alcohol prior to his death.

Finn said friends of Alex had told him his brother was in good spirits the night before.

“My thoughts were that it was down to alcohol and loneliness,” he said. “It was the only time he had really been on his own at the flat.”

Coroner Ian Goldup said there was no sign of disturbance or forced entrance to Alex’s home.

“The manner of his death leads me sure that he took his own life,” he said. “I am sorry for your pain. The loss of a child is such a terrible thing.”

Following his death, Alex’s auntie, Naomi Annetts, set up a Just Giving page in his memory to raise money for mental health charity Calm.

She wrote: “We would like to raise money in Alexander’s memory so that other young men realise they are not alone and can be offered the support they need through troubling times.”

Donations of more than £11,000 have already poured in.

If you would like confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans free on 116 123.

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