Coroner concludes cricketer Tom Allin intended to take his own life

CRICKETER Tom Allin intended to take his own life when he fell from the Torridge Bridge near Bideford in January this year.

Tom was found dead on the A386 below the bridge by a driver shortly before 9pm on January 4.

An inquest in Barnstaple today (Tuesday) heard Tom died as a result of ‘unsurvivable’ injuries.

Three suicide notes were found at Tom’s home when it was searched by police after his death.

Dr Elizabeth Earland, the coroner for Exeter and Greater Devon ,  said: “This is a very tragic situation but on the evidence in front of me I’m in no doubt Mr Allin was the architect of his own demise and he clearly intended the consequences of his actions.”

She recorded a conclusion of suicide on the 28-year-old former professional cricketer, who had played for Bideford and North Devon CCs before joining Warwickshire in 2008.

Beverley Allin, Tom’s mother, said in a statement her son had been through ‘a number of tough months’ prior to his death.

In early October his brother was taken into hospital, which Mrs Allin said ‘really shook up’ Tom.

In late October, Tom was involved in a high-speed traffic collision near Clovelly, in which he suffered severe leg injuries.

Although he recovered physically from the collision, the inquest heard Tom had discussed ‘feeling up and down in his mind’ with a nurse at a follow-up appointment.

She suggested referring him to the depression and anxiety services but said he declined.

Friends of Tom told the inquest they had no idea he was contemplating taking his own life

Rachel Flores said she saw Tom on the night of his death, when he seemed normal.

Looking back, she said it was ‘a bit unusual’ that when she dropped him off at around 7.30-8pm he said ‘bye’ and gave her a ‘long hug’.

Tom, who was educated at Bideford College and North Devon College, left professional cricket in 2013.

He was heavily involved in primary school coaching in Barnstaple and Bideford and was head of cricket at Shebbear College as well as a coach at Bideford College.

During the winter, he played football for Northam Lions.

All Hallows Church at Woolsery was packed for the funeral. Former England cricketers Ian Bell, Jonathan Trott and Ashley Giles were among the mourners.

Parents Tony and Beverley, who live in Northam, said they were overwhelmed by the tributes to their son.