Coroner: Former Cardiff City player killed himself, cor
Tue Sep 22, 2020 11:48 am
Chris Barker: Former Cardiff City player killed himself, coroner concludes - BBC News
Coroner Rachel Knight recorded a conclusion of suicide.
BBC
Tuesday 22nd September 2020
Mr Barker made 162 appearances for the Bluebirds, helping the club to promotion to Division One in 2003.
The inquest heard he had taken up coaching roles after his playing career ended.
In a witness statement, Amy Holliday, a nurse from Swansea, said she had been in a relationship with him for about 18 months.
Before Christmas, she felt he was "being distant", having cancelled plans to meet and not responded to her phone calls and text messages.
But she said she had "never seen signs of depression or self-harm" in him.
In another witness statement, Mr Barker's sister-in-law, Tracey Barker, said his death had "shocked" the family and that there had been "no warnings" that he had been having suicidal thoughts.
But she said he had been "affected greatly" by the death of his father, who had motor neurone disease, and his mother, who died of cancer.
Toxicology tests showed Mr Barker was over the legal drink-drive limit when he died, but a pathologist ruled it had not contributed significantly to his death.
If you or someone you know are feeling emotionally distressed, these organisations offer advice and support. In addition, you can call the Samaritans free on 116 123 (UK and Ireland). Mind also has a confidential telephone helpline on 0300 123 339 (Monday-Friday, 0900-1800).
Coroner Rachel Knight recorded a conclusion of suicide.
BBC
Tuesday 22nd September 2020
Mr Barker made 162 appearances for the Bluebirds, helping the club to promotion to Division One in 2003.
The inquest heard he had taken up coaching roles after his playing career ended.
In a witness statement, Amy Holliday, a nurse from Swansea, said she had been in a relationship with him for about 18 months.
Before Christmas, she felt he was "being distant", having cancelled plans to meet and not responded to her phone calls and text messages.
But she said she had "never seen signs of depression or self-harm" in him.
In another witness statement, Mr Barker's sister-in-law, Tracey Barker, said his death had "shocked" the family and that there had been "no warnings" that he had been having suicidal thoughts.
But she said he had been "affected greatly" by the death of his father, who had motor neurone disease, and his mother, who died of cancer.
Toxicology tests showed Mr Barker was over the legal drink-drive limit when he died, but a pathologist ruled it had not contributed significantly to his death.
If you or someone you know are feeling emotionally distressed, these organisations offer advice and support. In addition, you can call the Samaritans free on 116 123 (UK and Ireland). Mind also has a confidential telephone helpline on 0300 123 339 (Monday-Friday, 0900-1800).
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Re: Coroner: Former Cardiff City player killed himself, cor
Tue Sep 22, 2020 1:03 pm
God love him Motor Neurone disease is an evil affliction. He probably watched his father wither away. Two losses in a short spell can throw you. Too many call suicide a coward's way out I think we all have a trip switch it is just a case of when the mind cannot take the pain no more. RIP MATE
Re: Coroner: Former Cardiff City player killed himself, cor
Tue Sep 22, 2020 1:54 pm
I agree with everything you've wrote.
Re: Coroner: Former Cardiff City player killed himself, cor
Tue Sep 22, 2020 1:56 pm
Just more very sad news in these awful times.
Re: Coroner: Former Cardiff City player killed himself, cor
Tue Sep 22, 2020 1:56 pm
Just more very sad news in these awful times.
Re: Coroner: Former Cardiff City player killed himself, cor
Tue Sep 22, 2020 2:35 pm
Very sad news. Rest In Peace. 
Re: Coroner: Former Cardiff City player killed himself, cor
Tue Sep 22, 2020 4:50 pm
Sadly confirming what was already out there...
RIP, Chris Barker. We won't forget you, fellow Bluebird
RIP, Chris Barker. We won't forget you, fellow Bluebird
Re: Coroner: Former Cardiff City player killed himself, cor
Tue Sep 22, 2020 4:58 pm
Rest in peace fella
Re: Coroner: Former Cardiff City player killed himself, cor
Tue Sep 22, 2020 5:20 pm
Chris-you did Cardiff City and your family proud,i bet your with your beloved parents right now.R.I.P Chris