A FORMER rugby coach from west Cumbria took his own life, a coroner has found.

David William Varty, 53, of Sonnets Way, Cockermouth, died on May 14, 2023.

An inquest was conducted in writing before area coroner for Cumbria, Kirsty Gomersal, following an inquest opening on June 6.

It concluded that Mr Varty died by suicide. Mr Varty had left a note indicating that he intended to take his own life. The medical cause of death was given as hanging.

Born on January 24, 1970, in Workington, Mr Varty had been working as a health and safety resource manager at the time of his death.

He had previously played rugby for Broughton Red Rose and went on to coach at the club before becoming head coach for Cockermouth Titans.

Tributes were paid to him by the rugby community following the announcement of his death earlier this year.

Speaking at the time, Paul Taylor, who was coached by Mr Varty at Broughton Red Rose, said: “He was just a genuine, nice fella.

“He would do anything for anyone, he coached the kids’ team as well and took them to the under-16s national cup final in 2009.

“He was always good with all age groups, and is a massive loss to the rugby community.”

Paul Osborne, a lifelong friend, said: “A family man from being a teenager, I grew up in the village with him and through that became best friends with him.

“He coached me in rugby, and I played with him too.

“One of his rugby accolades was that he was part of the coaching staff when Broughton Red Rose won the Cumbrian Cup.

“Dave will be forever missed, because what he did was just think about everybody else before himself.

“He’s the biggest miss that could ever be, he was a father to me and a best friend all wrapped in one.

“There is no one who will say anything bad about Dave Varty.”

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.

North Cumbria NHS Universal Mental Health Crisis Line 0800 652 2865 open 24 hrs a day/7 days a week

South Cumbria NHS Urgent Mental Health Support Line 0800 953 0110 open 24 hrs a day/7 days a week

Samaritans – Call 116 123 – There round the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

PAPYRUS – Call 0800 068 41 41 – 9am to midnight. Support line for young people at risk of suicide.

CALM – Call 0800 58 58 58. Men’s Helpline open 5pm – Midnight

Shout Crisis Text Service – Text Shout to 85258 to get 24/7 text support