Webcam death was suicide
A Shropshire father-of-two killed himself on a webcam despite desperate attempts by an internet chatroom user to talk him out of it, an inquest heard today. A Shropshire father-of-two killed himself on a webcam despite desperate attempts by an internet chatroom user to talk him out of it, an inquest heard today. Kevin Whitrick, of Wellington, is believed to be the first person in the UK to have committed suicide over the internet, the hearing was told. He was seen wrapping a noose around his neck despite attempts to stop him. Today Telford & Wrekin coroner Mr Michael Gwynne recorded a verdict that Mr Whitrick, 42, had taken his own life. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
Chatroom user Carole Vickers contacted police but Mr Whitrick's body was later discovered by police at his home in Orleton Lane, on March 21.
The cause of death was given as hanging.
Today Telford & Wrekin coroner Mr Michael Gwynne recorded a verdict that Mr Whitrick, 42, had taken his own life.
Detective Sergeant Mark Bellamy told the inquest at Telford County Court that between 40 and 60 people were logged into the chatroom, in which people were insulted or insulted others, when Mr Whitrick died.
He said: "A lady who was logged on to the chatroom, Carole Vickers, was viewing the night's events in the chatroom when she saw Mr Whitrick attempting to take his own life. She contacted the West Midlands Police who contacted ourselves at 11.14pm."
He added: "She saw Kevin wrapping a noose around his neck and she made desperate efforts to talk him out of it."
Mr Bellamy said police had to force their way into his one bedroom home where they made efforts to resuscitate him. He was pronouced dead at the scene.
Mr Bellamy added: "This is the first case that I am aware of in the UK where somebody committed suicide over the internet."
Mr Whitrick's brother Malcolm, of Shrewsbury, said his brother, who had a history of depression, had previously attempted to take his own life.
By Lisa Rowley
