An open verdict has been recorded at an inquest into the death of a ‘caring, generous and helpful’ Badby man who died after falling from an apartment block in New York.
The inquest at Northampton General Hospital yesterday (Wednesday) heard how Stephen Farrow loved travelling and adventure, and worked in fields ranging from marine biology to farming. He even saved a life by donating one of his kidneys.
The inquest heard Mr Farrow, aged 31, of The Glebe, Badby, died in New York on May 2012, after falling from an apartment building in the Bronx.
A statement from his mother, Marianne, said: “From 2008 to 2010 he worked in the US, while in Montana, where he worked on a farm and did supply teaching, he also enjoyed mountain climbing, snowboarding and skiing.
“In 2010 he returned to England, where he lived and worked until April 2012, when he flew out to New York to find a job and a place to live.
“Stephen made friends from all walks of life. He was caring, thoughtful, uncritical and trusting. He was generous and helpful. I am not aware of any incidents triggering suicide. He was positive before he left for New York, where he was looking forward to finding work and a place to live.”
In recording an open verdict, coroner Anne Pember said she could not say beyond reasonable doubt that he had intended to kill himself, nor was she satisfied that it was an accident.