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Family of dad-of-six Luke Greenaway, 33, say he had ‘biggest heart and would help anyone’ after Ashford Rugby Club death

By: Brad Harper bharper@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 07 November 2024

Updated: 06:55, 07 November 2024

A dad-of-six who had the “biggest heart and would help anyone” tragically took his own life, a coroner has ruled.

Luke Greenaway, 33, previously struggled with his mental health but there had not been any immediate issues in the weeks leading up to his death at Ashford Rugby Club on June 8.

Luke Greenaway’s family described him as having the “biggest heart” after his sudden death. Picture: Rose Greenaway

His heartbroken mum Rose has now paid an emotional tribute following his inquest on Friday.

“I don't want Luke's life to be judged by strangers or be defined by the information in the inquest,” she said. “He was more than that.

"He is a son, a brother, a dad-of-six, a grandad, an uncle, a nephew, a stepdad to three stepdaughters, and a best friend.

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"He had the biggest heart and would help anyone.

"He was funny and loud. He couldn't sit still like an electric spark and was protective of those he cared about.

“All he wanted was to be loved and be part of a family…”

"He loved motorbikes, which were his passion, and he would say they helped clear his head but not everyone saw his bikes as a good thing.”

Coroner Katrina Hepburn told how Mr Greenaway, who lived in Raymond Fuller Way on the Little Burton estate, was “part of a close family unit” at the inquest on Friday at Oakwood House, Maidstone.

She says the machine driver had spent June 7 with his dad Andrew and had “not displayed any concerning behaviour to friends or family”.

Mr Greenaway’s dad did not hear him leave the house that night.

Ms Hepburn said: “Although no clear intentions to harm himself were made to friends and family in the evening beforehand, his texts and messages show something was playing on his mind.”

Luke Greenaway, 33, was a dad-of-six and a grandad. Picture: Rose Greenaway

The last message Mr Greenaway sent was to his former girlfriend at 3.20am on June 8. A passerby found his body at Ashford Rugby Club a short while later.

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Rose added: "Luke had many problems throughout his life including relationships, grief, physical health, financial problems and addiction, which all played a part in him taking his own life.

"All he wanted was to be loved and be part of a family.

"Luke will always be loved by those that matter, including his family, children and closest friends. He will never be forgotten."

Ms Hepburn told the inquest alcohol and drugs were found in his system which – combined with his downward spiral – “indicate poor mental health”.

“It seems he had some recent health concerns with breathing and suspected COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) which was being investigated,” she said.

“He loved motorbikes, which were his passion…”

“There is evidence he had difficulties with mental health and historically when he was found on the wrong side of the M20 bridge in 2017 and 2018 and historically with overdoses.

“But it doesn’t seem there was anything recently and the family didn’t have any concerns with his mental health in the week before his death.

“He had sold his mobile phone and bike in the week of his death but this wasn’t out of character.

“He had also split up with his partner.”

Ms Hepburn ruled Mr Greenaway’s death as suicide.

In June, Ashford Rugby Club chairman John Norman paid tribute after the area was taped off.

“We were very sad to hear from the police about what happened and would like to send our sincere condolences to all family and friends of the deceased,” he said.

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans any time on 116 123.

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