A published poet who 'worshipped the sun' died by suicide after a skin condition diagnosis meant he could no longer sunbathe, a coroner's court has heard.
A Life Upended by Diagnosis and Move
Scott Hastie, 71, had moved to Bournemouth with his wife Maureen in late 2022 to enjoy their retirement. The grandfather-of-four, a respected local historian and former librarian from Kings Langley in Hertfordshire, found profound pleasure in sunbathing on his balcony. However, his life was upended by a diagnosis of solar keratoses, scaly skin patches caused by sun damage, which led to medical advice to avoid the sun entirely.
According to his wife of 50 years, this left Mr Hastie feeling 'bereft'. His mental health had already been declining as he missed his previous life in Kings Langley, and the diagnosis severely exacerbated his depression and anxiety.
The Tragic Final Day at Old Harry Rocks
Just three days after the GP appointment that delivered the diagnosis, on June 26, 2024, Mr Hastie told his wife he was going for a walk while she went swimming. Instead, he travelled to the beauty spot of Old Harry Rocks near Swanage.
A member of the public, Marian Starpan, saw him standing on the edge of the 120ft cliff. When she asked if he was okay, he replied with the four words: 'It’s a beautiful view.' Shortly afterwards, another walker spotted his body in the water below while taking a photograph.
Inquest Records Conclusion of Suicide
The poet's body was recovered from South Beach by police and the coastguard at about 1.45pm. He had to be formally identified using dental records due to suffering 'injuries incompatible with life'.
At the Bournemouth inquest, Dorset assistant coroner Richard Middleton recorded a conclusion of suicide. He stated he was satisfied Mr Hastie died as a consequence of a deliberate act and offered his deepest condolences to the family.
In a statement read at the hearing, Mrs Hastie said her husband, who published five volumes of poetry, felt 'what’s the point?' after their move and the subsequent diagnosis. Tributes from his family and the Kings Langley History Society remembered him as a celebrated poet and writer whose work will continue to be cherished.
