Man died after intentionally walking into A38 traffic

A struggling Devon man intentionally ended his life by walking into the path of an oncoming campervan on the A38, an inquest has heard. Adam Greig, described by his supportive loved ones as having been a 'very fondly thought of' joyful and kind man with a great sense of humour, had a history of mental health illness.

The 54-year-old, who lived in Kingsbridge and was employed as a work coach at a local Jobcentre, tragically died on October 2, 2022. In a statement, a witness described seeing Adam pull up in his car in front of her vehicle on a layby along the westbound carriageway of the A38 at Dean Prior, near Buckfastleigh, at around 12.30pm.

She recalled he had not looked distressed and how she had then watched in horror as he stepped into the path of an oncoming vehicle, described as being a campervan. She said it had been a deliberate act and although the driver of the campervan had attempted to swerve, there was 'nothing they could have done' to avoid hitting him.

Despite resuscitation attempts by members of the public, Adam died of his injuries at the scene. The medical cause of his death was multiple injuries.

The inquest at Exeter Coroner’s Court today, October 31, heard that police had already been on their way to the A38 following an earlier report that a man had gone to step out in front of an HGV but then retreated.

In a statement, his father Peter told how Adam had not suffered with his mental health as a child and had enjoyed playing guitar with several bands for many years and also had a passion for riding motorbikes and travelling abroad.

He was said to have suffered his first mental health breakdown in 2006 and then began to suffer again in 2022, requiring a psychiatric hospital admission and continued help from his GP, mental health services and his family and loved ones. He was also successfully talked out of a suicide attempt.

His supportive former partner told the coroner: "He had a lot of support around him but even with that, something tragic like this happens."

Shatter the Silence

The DevonLive Shatter the Silence campaign aims to encourage anyone struggling to reach out and talk - to either a friend, relative, charity or a professional. Our campaign content will highlight just how important talking is and the difference it can make.

Ultimately, we want to reduce the number of people who die by suicide in Devon. We will highlight where to get help and show how talking has helped people come through difficult times in their lives. We will speak to families who have lost loved ones to look at the lasting impact of suicide and attempt to dismiss the inaccurate belief many people who are struggling manifest that they are a burden on the ones they love. We will look at the devastation caused to those left behind in the hope that even one reader might change their mind if they have considered taking their own life.

We will speak to people who have survived a suicide attempt and have accessed counselling or other mental health services to show that things can get better. We will speak to Samaritans volunteers about their vital work in Devon and how they are on hand 24-7 to listen. And we will offer guidance on what to say to someone who is struggling so people feel more confident to have that conversation.

Do you have a relevant story to share? Email emma.slee@reachplc.com.

WHERE TO GET HELP:

SAMARITANS offers support in a range of ways, including a self-help app, email support or by calling 116 123 for free 24 hours a day

NHS Offers advice on how to access mental health support

TALKWORKS is a free-to-access NHS service offering a variety of treatment and support for adults (aged 18+) living in Devon (excluding Plymouth)

CALM offer a free, confidential helpline 0800 58 58 58 and webchat, 7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about life's problems

HUB OF HOPE is a mental health support database that can signpost you to local support services

ANDY'S MAN CLUB offers men a chance to talk with like-minded people. They have clubs in Devon as well as nationally

KOOTH & QWELL provides free, safe and anonymous online mental wellbeing support, including moderated peer support forums and text-based counselling, to all residents living in Devon (aged 11+)

PETE'S DRAGONS provide free-to-access support to all residents living in Devon who may have been bereaved by suicide at any point in their lives

THE MOORINGS is an emotional support service that provides telephone and face-to-face support via a drop-in service at its bases in Exeter, Barnstaple and Torquay. It is a non-clinical service but provides emotional support, signposting to other services and other general support that is tailored to the people who access it.

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Recording a conclusion of suicide, assistant coroner Luisa Nicholson said: "In the early afternoon of October 2, Adam was observed driving his motor vehicle into a layby on the Plymouth bound carriageway on the A38 before alighting and deliberately walking in front of a white vehicle, described as a camper van.

"He had been observed some time beforehand to attempt to walk into the path of a HGV before changing his mind and returning to the layby.

"Sadly, the injuries Adam sustained were not compatible with life and he passed away at the location. He appears to have had a lengthy history of mental health issues, including anxiety, psychosis and previous suicidal ideations which he denied intending to have wanted to act upon.

"He did not always engage that well with the support he was offered as has been described as being able to mask his symptoms. It remains unknown why Adam took the actions he did on October 2.

"I am satisfied Adam has taken steps to end his life and appears to have been firmly intending to do so due to evidence heard of him walking in front of the vehicle after failed attempts moments before."