Woman pays tribute to her brother who died at Beachy Head

Deepak Shivamangal was found at the foot of the cliffs on February 5 after he went missing from his home on Susans Road the day before.

An inquest at Eastbourne Town Hall on Wednesday (December 2), heard Mr Shivamangal, a civil servant, suffered from depression and had a long history of alcohol misuse.

Anjani Shivamangal, Mr Shivamangal’s younger sister speaking from Copenhagen, said, “He was a sweet, kind and considerate person with a great sense of humour.

“He was loved by all, easy going, hard working and compassionate. People were drawn to him and he enhanced my life throughout.”

Ms Shivamangal said how she regularly spoke to her brother and was planning to come and visit him - something they were both looking forward to.

The inquest heard Mr Shivamangal cared for his mother prior to her death and then went through a period of homelessness before becoming settled in a house share.

Michelle Will, a mental health nurse who dealt with Mr Shivamangal in January this year, said he spoke of physical issues so she referred him to his GP Dr David Grant.

However, Dr Grant felt the focus should have been on his mental health issues - creating a ‘challenging circle’ according to coroner James Healy-Pratt.

Mr Shivamangal failed to engage with STAR, the alcohol and substance recovery service, the inquest heard. He had been referred to mental health services at Eastbourne DGH on February 2 but was later released.

On February 4, Mr Shivamangal was reported missing by his housemate, and he was then found by the coastguard the following day at Beachy Head.

Ms Shivamangal said, “I am devastated by this. He was in great difficulty, he wasn’t getting the help he needed but he was determined and dedicated to getting better.”

Mr Healy-Pratt ruled that Mr Shivamangal took his own life.

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 is 116 123.