Watford News
Inquest into death of Jason Folly
5:36pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012
A popular South Oxhey father of two hanged himself during a "cry for help", an inquest heard today.
Jason David Folly was found at his home in December, days after the relationship with his girlfriend had broken down.
He hadn't been seen since December 3, when he was trying to make contact with his ex-girlfriend, having cut his wrists.
Then, on December 5 a neighbour had called the emergency services to say Mr Folly was on the balcony of his Heysham Drive home.
Paramedic Diane Williamson arrived at the house at 10.38pm and found Mr Folly hanging, she then alerted the police who searched for a suicide note, but they were unable to find one.
Police were also unable to find a mobile telephone in the house, as Mr Folly had broken his several days before.
He had in fact been leant one by a friend but the family have been unable to activate it, as they could not find the appropriate charger.
A toxicology report showed he had 179mg of alcohol in his blood, twice the legal driving limit.
His family called the incident "a cry for help", the inquest in Hatfield heard today, which also heard how Mr Folly had a history of self-harm.
In 2002 he cut his wrists and took an overdose, but telephoned family members telling them what he had done.
In a statement his family said: "He was caring, loving and funny and would help anybody. He worked hard to give his children everything in life."
Mr Folly was born on November 23, 1969 in Edgware, and moved to South Oxhey at 18 months.
He worked in grounds maintenance at the Northwood military base, but was better known for his involvement in the Grapevine football team, and classes he held at Hayling Road boxing club.
Thousands of people left messages of condolence and tributes on a Facebook group for the 42-year-old.
Mr Folly’s funeral was held at St Mathew’s Church in Eastbury Road, Oxhey, where some 600 people turned out.
His mother Marie Folly said: "It was a lovely service. I just couldn’t believe how many people turned up - there were people outside the doors and down the street.
"He was very popular and there were a lot of very funny stories being told about him. It was lovely to see how many people came along - colleagues, friends, football mates.
"The amount of flowers we received was unbelievable, they filled my garden. I was so upset on the day, I couldn’t lift my head up but it was nice to see such a big crowd."
Coroner Edward Thomas recorded a verdict of self harm and said: "He did the act, but he had drank a lot and his mind would be unclear, drink also makes you very depressed."
Divorced Mr Folly, leaves a 15-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter, and two sisters, one of whom is his twin.
Mrs Folly said she would remember the mischievous and funny side of her son, who she said often landed himself in trouble for his antics when he was younger.
Recalling one such occasion, she said: "He and his friend skipped school one day to go and watch the cricket at Lord’s. When they were there the ball went into the crowd and they caught it so they ended up on the television - he always got caught out but it never hurt anyone.
"He always played the fool, everyone liked him - he was always joking around. He would light up a room when he came into it."
If you are having suicidal thoughts and feelings and want to talk, you can telephone Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, email jo@samaritans.org or find a local branch at www.samaritans.org.