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Eccles roofer Kim Wilson committed suicide by the entrance to Aylesford Priory

An Eccles roofer told his family he would see them in the afterlife, shortly before being found dead by the entrance to Aylesford Priory.

Kim Wilson was discovered hanged beside his van on August 14, after leaving his home in Mackenders Close following an argument. The 50-year-old, known as Chip, held up a noose and gestured what he was going to do before driving off at 6pm.

He was found dead just over an hour later by a PCSO doing a routine patrol around Aylesford High Street.

The inquest was at Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone
The inquest was at Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone

An inquest into his death heard he had 474 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood — a potentially fatal amount, making him almost six times the legal drink-drive limit.

A photo of him with two of his children was found nearby, along with an empty hip flask-style bottle of vodka and an empty pack of painkillers, the hearing at Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone heard.

Coroner Patricia Harding read out a statement from Debbie, Mr Wilson’s wife of 23 years, who said her husband was considered to be a cheerful, happy go-lucky character but had a problem with alcohol.

She said he had been given an ultimatum by his family about his drinking, but said he would have great difficulty stopping.

Just days before his death he had told his wife: “I know what I’ve got to do.”

On the afternoon of August 14, he had become involved in an argument with his family after returning home from a pub.

The inquest heard he had left saying: “I’ll see you in the afterlife”, then returned to give his phone to his wife, adding: “I won’t need that where I’m going, I’ll see you on the other side.”

A post mortem found the cause of death was suspension. Mrs Harding recorded a verdict of suicide.

Mr Wilson, who had lived in the village for most of his life, had five children and three grandchildren.

If something is troubling you, call the Samaritans on 116 123.

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