Man found dead in Eastbourne hotel

Eugene McMahon was an accomplished sailor, having crossed the Atlantic ocean three times, as well as a climber who loved to travel.

The 31-year-old, of Kings Grove, London, took his own life on January 23 this year, the inquest heard.

Eugene’s father Derek McMahon had travelled more than 400 miles from the Isle of Man to be at the court in Eastbourne Town Hall.

His statement, read by coroner Alan Craze, said, “Eugene was a independent, private, and serious young man.

“He was an avid reader, loved the outdoors, and chose his friends carefully.”

Eugene loved sailing; he had sailed the Atlantic three times and taken trips around the Caribbean and Central America, his father said.

The deputy manager, born in Liverpool, also had a great passion for climbing and travelling the world.

Mr McMahon’s statement said, “We had no previous knowledge of significant mental health problems.

“He was private, fiercely independent, and not one to share problems.

“That he took his own life seems unquestionable, however it remains a shock and almost unbelievable.

“He always coped, recovered, and moved on from any problems without a fuss.

“We may also have to accept there were aspects of his personality which may have left him vulnerable and unable to ask for help when he needed.”

In the months leading up to his death, the inquest heard Eugene had travelled to Israel with his partner Selina.

They had returned to the UK in January and had made plans to visit Canada later this year.

Emergency services were called to the Glastonbury Hotel in Royal Parade on January 23.

His body had been found by a cleaner, the inquest heard. He had hanged himself.

The coroner reached a conclusion of suicide and expressed his condolences to the family.

• If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, the Samaritans may be able to help – the charity’s helpline number is 116 123.