Troubled ex-soldier died in car inferno

A CORONER has urged people to talk about their problems and not to suffer alone following the horrific suicide of a former soldier.

Father-of-three Eric Crossley (57) died engulfed in fire in his car on Banbury Road, Failsworth, in March last year. CCTV footage captured Mr Crossley parking at an industrial estate and, hours later, the car going up in flames.

A pathologist confirmed tp the Rochdale court that Mr Crossley had died of severe burns. Police had identified him by his watch and personalised wallet.

The former soldier, who had served in Northern Ireland, New Zealand and Hong Kong, had struggled to find work as an HGV driver in the period leading up to his death.

His wife Julie said: “He was quiet and very miserable because he couldn’t find work. If he got a day’s work he would be fine. All he wanted to do was get back to work — that was his priority.”

Mr Crossley was having financial troubles: he believed he was paying council tax to his landlord, but the council was chasing him for payment and eventually sent a bailiff notice.

Fire-scene investigator Kevin Barrow said he believed deliberate ignition had caused the fire — there was a strong smell of fuel and an empty petrol can.

Coroner Simon Nelson concluded that Mr Crossley took his own life while the balance of his mind was disturbed.

He added: “If he had turned to his family, there may well have been a solution. I can only hope that others facing a similar situation will turn to family for that advice.”