A 28-year-old father who battled with mental health problems was found dead in the woods just weeks after his baby son was born, an inquest has heard.
Brandon Parfitt, a factory worker, went missing from Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent, in August last year, just two months after becoming a father to little Tommi-Lee.
His brother, Tristan Parfitt and their other siblings made desperate attempts to try and trace him through social media.
Brandon last made contact with his brother Tristan just two hours before the last known sighting of him, in his hometown of Ebbw Vale, on August 17.
However, Brandon was found hanged in the wooded area of the Welsh town on August 19 last year, with a coroner ruling he died two days earlier.
His cause of death was given as suicide with mental health issues listed as an underlying cause.
Coroner Rose Farmer said Brandon’s use of cocaine, alcohol and the anti-anxiety drug diazepam also contributed to his death but were not a direct cause.
In a tribute after his death, Brandon’s family said: ‘He had a baby boy just six weeks ago, little Tommi-Lee, who we know he would have loved and have given the world to.
Brandon Parfitt, a factory worker, went missing from Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent, in August last year, just two months after becoming a father to little Tommi-Lee
Brandon was found hanged in the wooded area of the Welsh town on August 19 last year, with a coroner ruling he died two days earlier
‘He would have been the most amazing dad if he had the chance.
‘His mental health struggles, alongside issues in his private life, put Brandon in a place he obviously felt was impossible for him to overcome. Devastatingly he saw no other way out.
‘Everyone who crossed paths with Brandon knew how he was a livewire with the most infectious smile.
‘Every video of him we have he is singing or dancing. He was the life and soul of the room.
‘There is a big dark cloud over the community as everyone comes to terms with Brandon’s passing, which was way too soon.
‘As a family we find comfort in knowing Brandon is at peace now and we will support his little boy and give him the life Brandon would have wanted for him.’
An online fundraiser raised £1,467 to help give Brandon’s son the ‘best start in life in honour of his dad and keep Brandon’s memory live on’.
For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit thecalmzone.net/get-support
