Respected politician Hefin took his own life, coroner rules

A RESPECTED politician took his own life, a coroner has ruled.

- By ABBIE WIGHTWICK

Hefin David, who had served as member of the Welsh Parliament for Caerphilly since 2016, was pronounced dead at his home in Nelson, Caerphilly, on August 12 last year.

His medical causes of death were given as asphyxia and hanging, the report from Gwent Coroner's Court records.

Recording a conclusion of death by suicide, senior coroner Caroline Saunders said Mr David, who died the day before what would have been his 48th birthday, "suffered from reactive depression due to stressors in his personal and working life".

"This resulted in a downturn in his mental health."

She said Mr David was found at his home address on August 12 and while paramedics attended, he could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.