'Caring, loving' son, 23, took his own life after struggling with lockdown restrictions and a break-up

Tributes have been paid to a 23-year-old who died by suicide after struggling with lockdown restrictions as well as the breakdown of his relationship.

An inquest into the death of Ryan Beighton, who died on 13 September last year, heard that the 23-year-old had suffered from depression since at least November 2019 when he came out of a relationship.

With help from his mother, he had started taking medication and "turned a corner", going back to work and returning to his old self.

But he was left out of work when the COVID pandemic hit in March 2020 and struggled with lockdown restrictions, his mother said.

Beighton, from Hornsea in East Yorkshire, met a new partner in May last year but the pair argued and split up just days before he took his own life.

His death was ruled suicide by coroner Lorraine Harris.

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The 23-year-old's mother Samantha Beighton said: "2019 was a really tough year for Ryan and he really struggled with his depression but at the start of last year he really seemed to be turning a corner and doing well.

"But when the pandemic hit he lost his job and struggled to cope with all the rules that were put in place by the government, like not being able to go out and even things like the one-way systems."

Paying tribute to her son, she said: "Ryan was caring, loving, witty and just so funny - he could always say something to make you laugh and he was so kind.

"He lit up a room with his personality and put a smile on your face. He loved fishing and walking and he used to go up to Scotland and stay there walking.

"Family was also really important to Ryan and he was very family orientated."

She added: "He lived with me and a lot of our family live away so when they came to stay he would always make a point of seeing them and spending time with them.

"He was always a big lover of cats and animals in general and just such a lovely person.

"It's very hard to come to terms with the loss of Ryan and we will always miss him – he was my only child."

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.