Winter Wonderland Worker Found Hanged on Day of Court Appearance
A man employed at a Winter Wonderland attraction was discovered hanged at the ice rink where he worked, just hours before he was due to appear in court on serious charges. Kyle Samuel, aged 33 and from Stoke-on-Trent, was found at the Winter Wonderland site in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, at approximately 9am on November 11.
Emergency services transported him to the Royal Stoke University Hospital, but he was pronounced dead later that morning. An inquest into his death has revealed that Mr Samuel was scheduled to attend court that very day, facing charges related to the creation of indecent images of children.
Coroner Records Suicide Verdict with Details of Mental Health Struggles
Coroner Daniel Howe officially recorded a verdict of suicide, concluding that Mr Samuel's death resulted from hypoxia caused by hanging. In his findings, the coroner highlighted that Kyle had a documented history of low mood and had previously discussed ending his own life.
The impending court proceedings were identified as the recent trigger for his actions. Mr Howe stated, "From the evidence I’ve heard, I’m satisfied that Kyle intended to hang himself and end his life, as he had expressed recent stress and worry for the upcoming court proceedings."
It was noted that on the evening prior to his death, Kyle attempted to contact multiple friends and family members, which the coroner interpreted as part of his preparations.
Mother's Heartbreaking Testimony Reveals Son's Inner Turmoil
In a witness statement provided to the inquest, Kyle's mother described her final conversation with her son. She recalled, "Kyle rang me on November 10. He was going to leave Hanley at 7am as the drive was around one-and-a-half hours so I should expect him at around 8.30am. He seemed in good spirits and he ended the phone call saying he loved me but that was not unusual as he always did this."
However, she later became aware that he had also tried to call his grandmother and several friends that night. She believes these calls were made because "he was planning to end his own life the following day."
She painted a picture of a man deeply passionate about his career in the circus industry, where he had performed as a clown for years. "Kyle was devoted and dedicated to his career which was his passion," she said. "He loved the circus industry from a young age and he adored his job. However, this showed him he could put on a facade for others and not let anyone know how he truly felt about his mental health."
Describing her son as "the most loveable, kind, caring, gentle giant ever known," she expressed her profound grief, stating, "He was all I could ask for in a son and I’m grateful to call him my son. He will be deeply missed by everyone who ever loved him."
The case underscores the severe impact of legal pressures on mental health, with the coroner explicitly linking the court date to the tragic outcome.
