Guisborough funeral director 'who was always smiling' took his own life, inquest rules
John Storey will be remembered as a kind and generous man who would always go the extra mile, his family say
Jade McElwee
John Storey, 39, from Guisborough
A well-known man who was "always smiling" tragically took his own life, a coroner has ruled.
The people of Guisborough left moving and extraordinary tributes following the sad news that John Storey had passed away last month.
The 39-year-old funeral director was found at his home address on Redcar Road on October 12.
A hearing to determine the circumstances surrounding Mr Storey's death was heard at Teesside Coroner's Court on Wednesday.
Extraordinary tributes left in honour of John Storey 'a man who helped make lives bearable'
'Always smiling and already missed so very much': Family's tribute after death of popular John Storey at 39
Following his tragic death, Mr Storey's family paid tribute to the very well-known man who worked with his dad Ian at the family firm of funeral directors which has looked after the people of Guisborough and the surrounding area for four generations.
Helping others through their darkest moments was what he did, and he did it with the utmost of respect and professionalism.
His parents, Ian and Sharon, brother Michael and sister-in-law Anna, were left devastated by his loss but said they had taken heart at the many hundreds of messages they have received from local people keen to pay their respects to a man who did so much for others.
John loved sport, football in particular, he played in goal
Hundreds lined the streets to pay their respects as Mr Storey made his final journey through the town as floral tributes and candles were left at the town's Market Cross in his memory.
"We will remember him as always smiling, he was always such a pleasure to be around and he was always uplifting," Anna said.
"We are his family and we loved him but it has helped to know just how much others loved and respected him too, to see how many people he has helped and had a positive affect on."
In pictures: Hundreds line the streets to say farewell to John Storey
Born and bred in Guisborough, Mr Storey was a former pupil at Laurence Jackson School and a keen sportsman, playing in goal for the town's football club Guisborough Town FC.
He was also a keen mountain biker and set up his own team, the North East Free Riders, teaching his young nephew Vinnie how to ride.
Mr Storey also leaves behind nephews and nieces Vinnie, Georgia and Lottie.
"On behalf of the whole family thank you for all the kind words, messages and thoughts. He is already missed so much," added Anna.
John was a keen mountain biker
The family said that there were no warning signs and the much-loved man was his usual self before the tragedy happened.
Michael and Anna attended the short hearing on Wednesday.
The inquest heard his death was "out of the blue for the family" as Mr Storey had been to the family home the day before his death and it had been a "pleasant occasion".
The family had gone to open the business on Monday morning and discovered that Mr Storey was not there as usual.
When they went into Mr Storey's address, above the business, he was found.
Cleveland Police officers attended the scene and confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
Assistant Coroner Karin Welsh recorded a conclusion of suicide.
How to access support if you need it
Helplines and support groups
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.
Samaritans (116 123 in UK and Ireland) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill.
PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
Cleveland Police