Tragic Inquest Details Final Moments of Dad-of-Four After Home Explosion
A father-of-four who died following a devastating explosion at his home had left a final note for his family, a coroner's court has heard. Stuart Cooper, aged 49, sustained severe injuries in the blast on Pendennis Road in Penzance on April 23, 2025, leading to his death later that evening.
Mental Health Struggles and Previous Incident
The inquest in Truro was told that Mr Cooper had battled with his mental health for several years, with a history of expressing suicidal thoughts. In a statement read to the court, his niece, Emily Cooper, described him as a "funny, outgoing and the most amazing person" who was a devoted Tottenham Hotspur fan. She revealed that he had experienced fluctuating moods, feeling very low at times but managing to recover during other periods.
Ms Cooper also disclosed that her uncle had survived a similar explosion at his home in 2019, which left him with over 60% burns. That incident required extensive surgeries and resulted in significant ongoing pain. She noted that she only later learned the 2019 event might have been a suicide attempt, highlighting the depth of his struggles.
Final Note and Investigation Findings
After Mr Cooper's death, his niece received a box from a neighbour containing a final note and documents he had prepared for her. In her statement, she expressed, "I can’t really fault anything dad did. He was amazing even when he was at his worst." The inquest heard that in the weeks leading up to the explosion, his mental health had been in decline, despite having many friends.
Emergency services responded to the scene following multiple reports of an explosion at the block of flats. Mr Cooper was airlifted to Derriford Hospital, where doctors determined he had suffered 92% burns and was unlikely to survive. His life support was withdrawn, and he passed away that evening.
An investigation conducted by Cornwall Fire Service and gas engineers the next day found no evidence of gas leaks or other concerns in his property at the time of the blast. A detective constable involved in the case stated that there was no indication of third-party involvement or suspicious circumstances. She cited the final note and a Facebook video posted by Mr Cooper days before his death as evidence supporting the conclusion that he intended to take his own life.
Coroner's Conclusion and Support Resources
Assistant Coroner for Cornwall and the Isle of Scilly, Emma Hillson, summarized the findings, accepting the evidence presented, including a fire examination report. The report suggested that Mr Cooper had caused the explosion himself. Considering his mental health history, the final note for his niece, and the social media video, Ms Hillson concluded, "On the balance of probability, (Mr Cooper) took his own life and he intended to do so."
For emotional support, individuals can contact the Samaritans 24-hour helpline at 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a branch in person, or access their website.
