The family of a man who took his own life have described him as "one of life's good guys".

Quentin Lane died after being found at the bottom of the stairs by his partner Victoria at his home in Chapel Drive, Dartford.

The 38-year-old, who was born in Gravesend and unemployed at the time of his death, took his own life three months before he was set to marry his partner of nearly four years, on August 26.

Speaking after an inquest at Maidstone's Archbishop's Palace, his sister Sabrina Lane described the former Longfield pupil as "a joker".

She said: "He was just such a lovely man and a total joker - a bit of a jack the lad. He was stupid but in a good way.

"It was such a shock to us all. We're a small and tight knit family."

His dad Jim Birtchnell explained how he doted over his three biological children and step-daughter, who he hadn't seen for three years, due to personal reasons.

He added: "He was one of life's good guy and he would help anybody."

During the inquest Detective Sergeant Simon Grant revealed how Mr Lane and his partner had been drinking the night before his death, were in good spirits and how he had never shown signs of suicidal thoughts.

However, the pair had an argument about their upcoming wedding and his partner Victoria went to bed, leaving Mr Lane downstairs.

DS Grant explained Mr Lane texted his partner multiple times at around midnight, with one text reading "I may as well be hanging in the hall lol" and "what rhymes with bed lol".

It was revealed that Victoria had opened some of the messages, but not all of them, and didn't reply. However, she told police she didn't recall receiving any of the messages and this could have been down to the fact the pair had been drinking.

In one of his last messages Mr Lane told his partner that he 'would love her forever'.

The following day at around 5.45am he was found dead at the bottom of his stairs by his partner and step daughter.

Paramedics arrived shortly after and declared Mr Lane dead at 6.05am.

Coroner Roger Hatch concluded his death was a result of suicide, adding: "I'm left with no alternative option but to rule Mr Lane's death was due to suicide.

"May I express my sincere condolences."

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