A loving and proud son tragically ended his life by jumping from a cliff in Cornwall after his family refused to accept that he was gay, an inquest has revealed.
The Incident
Fabio Pedranzini, a 55-year-old Italian national who held a senior position at Fujitsu overseeing 300 people, was reported missing from the holiday caravan he shared with his partner Mark Riley at Upton Towans near Gwithian, Hayle. His body was discovered at the bottom of a cove below where his phone and other belongings were found, two days after he went missing on March 21, 2025. Emergency workers recovered his body after it was spotted by a police drone during a multi-agency search on March 23.
Partner's Testimony
Mark Riley, Fabio's partner of 18 months, told the inquest in Truro that Fabio had only come out as gay to his family eight years prior, after being married to a woman for 30 years. This revelation strained his relationship with his parents, who could not accept his sexuality. Riley stated, "His sexuality was an embarrassment to his family. They told him he would be disowned. They didn't want him to bring me with him to Italy." Fabio's father, who had been his rock, reportedly suggested he have a relationship with another woman and made disturbing comments about how Hitler would have dealt with gay people. His mother was ashamed to be seen with him.
Mental Health Decline
The inquest heard that Fabio became increasingly delusional and paranoid as the months passed. Riley described how Fabio went to Italy to mend things with his family, but returned looking "wrecked" and in turmoil. During their holiday in Cornwall, Fabio had a paranoid episode, disappearing for three hours and returning cold and soaking wet. After his body was found, Riley discovered notes in which Fabio apologized to everyone and expressed a desire to "get out of the dark place he was in."
Family's Perspective
In a statement read at the inquest, Fabio's sister Cristiana and ex-wife Antonella described him as the "most generous and thoughtful person" who cared deeply for others. They noted that in the months before his death, Fabio became withdrawn, lost weight, and gave up his hobbies and interests. "He was fading away," they said, adding that he became isolated and his emotional wellbeing deteriorated.
Additional Factors
The inquest also considered that Fabio's work at Fujitsu during the Post Office scandal may have added to his stress. A post-mortem revealed multiple injuries consistent with a fall from a great height, with instantaneous death. Police found no suspicious circumstances, and a CID investigation concluded that Fabio's mental health struggles and paranoid thoughts likely contributed to his decision to end his life.
Coroner's Conclusion
Senior coroner Andrew Cox recorded a conclusion of suicide, stating that Fabio had been experiencing significant stress from multiple sources. The last phone call Fabio made to Riley was minutes before his death, and his belongings were found above the location where his body was later recovered. Cox said, "It is shortly after ending that call that it is more likely than not that Fabio took his own life and intended to do so."
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