Police have confirmed that a man in his 40s has died following an incident in Upper Ventnor this morning (Bank Holiday Monday).
As previously reported by Island Echo, emergency services rushed to Down Lane shortly before 10:00 with access to St Boniface Down cordoned off for a time.
It is now known that an individual was found deceased in a 4×4 type vehicle down a track just off Down Lane. Island Echo is told that members of the public made the shocking discovery and alerted Police at around 09:30.
The situation was soon identified as possibly involving chemicals, prompting an emergency response from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus approached the vehicle and used positive pressure ventilation to rid fumes from the area. Paramedics donned in personal protective equipment were then able to move in.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance was scrambled to the incident but was stood down on approach when it became clear nothing more could be done to save the individual.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary has said:
“We were called at 9.28am following the discovery of a man’s body in a car on Down Lane, Ventnor.
“The death of the man, aged in his 40s, is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the Coroner.
“The man’s next of kin have been informed”.
Island Echo understands that carbon monoxide played a part in the incident.
The vehicle was removed at around 14:00.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, you can call The Samaritans in confidence on 116 123. Help is at hand when you need it - you don’t have to be suicidal to get in touch.
Very sad, it just seems people feel they cannot get support or help they need
Very sad. And a shock to those who found him. Feel for his family and friends. There is always someone to talk to. ( Samaritans). Never feel you are alone in going through a rough time.
Rip to the family condolences
Such a tragedy…
Sincere condolences to his family and friends…
RIP .
How very sad to read , clearly as no suspicious circumstances it appears to be suicide. We are all living in unprecedented times and stress is at an all-time high, if you have friends , neighbours , loved ones etc look out for any signals. I hope this individual is at peace and my deepest condolences with the family.
So, so sad. May he Rest in Peace .
My sympathies, having heard a little more today it does sound like depression and family death was a factor. Unfortunately our first stop for depression is now missing, by which I mean our non existent GP service. We are now supposed to call a receptionist and tell all, followed by a phone call up to 36 hours later (due to a new ‘centralised’ call service apparently) with a GP we don’t know who ‘may’ just give a few tablets or maybe refer us onward. What is missing is any personal touch from someone we know and who knows us and we have to be willing to tell all to complete strangers, something I cannot do.
If you ring 111 they can refer you to the mental health team without going through your gp if they feel you need the help and the team are wonderful. There’s always someone to talk to. We are going through this at the moment and the help has been amazing.
Yes I agree the MH team are great when you or someone close knows you need them. I hope it all works out.
Couldn’t agree more bloody GPs have had it so easy for ages bout time they earn there money and got their asses moving again