SOUTHAMPTON man Christopher Spake died of a "broken heart" after the death of the love of his life.

Mr Spake, 56, lost interest in living after his fiancee Sue died of cancer in August 2016, an inquest heard.

He gassed himself in his car parked in his garden at his home in Sylvan Avenue, Thornhill, on July 16.

PC Alex Hazlett-Beard was called to the house after police were alerted by a friend worried for Mr Spake's welfare.

The officer said Mr Spake had placed notices in the car window alerting them to the toxic substances inside. He added Mr Spake was clearly dead and "seemed to be at peace."

The inquest heard that Mr Spake had ordered his affairs, valuing his house, making a will and paying for his funeral.

His brother Alan told the hearing: "When Sue died that was it. He wasn't interested in anything.

"It was a broken heart in the end. His life had ended. After 50 years he had found someone (Sue) but that was taken away from him."

Mr Spake had tried to kill himself with a drug overdose in October 2018 but was saved by emergency services.

Jamie Jackson, a practitioner at Antelope House mental health unit in Southampton, had spoken to him shortly afterwards. In a report he said: "He wanted to end his life and join his partner in the after life. He appeared very rational and declined any help.

"He is an intelligent, likeable man with full insight into his situation and fully capable of making a decision. He has no immediate plans but will kill himself in the medium to long-term so he can join his partner in the after life. He declined treatment as he does not believe we have anything to offer him."

Sam Marsh, acting area coroner, took the unusual step to read part of the note that Mr Spake had left. "Sue was my soul mate and the love of my life. The thought of being apart was unbearable for both of us. I just want to be with Sue, even if only together as ashes."

Mrs Marsh recorded a verdict of suicide.

After the inquest Alan Spake said: "He was a nice man, quiet with a great sense of humour. As an uncle he was good with the kids. It was unfortunate and very, very sad."