A GRIMSBY man has died after being found electrocuted.
He was discovered at his home by concerned relatives.
It is the third sudden death in tragic circumstances involving men in what appear to be suicides in the space of weeks.
And, today, as Grimsby and North Lincolnshire coroner Paul Kelly continues investigations into the three deaths, latest figures show the suicide rate in North East Lincolnshire is above the national average.
An inquest has now been opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Christopher Ryder, 65, of Claremont Road, Grimsby, found electrocuted by his family in a bedroom on January 28.
As reported, Mr Kelly has already opened inquest proceedings into the deaths of Michael Barraclough, 45, of Peaksfield Avenue, Grimsby, who was found hanging from Cleethorpes Pier on January 20, and 54-year-old Andrew Dodgson, of Ainslie Street, Grimsby, who died in tragic circumstances on a railway line in central Grimsby on January 15.
At the initial hearing relating to the death of Mr Ryder, the inquest heard he had been found by relatives, who called at his home after having no contact with him for some time.
The coroner heard he had last been seen by a neighbour on January 26.
On their arrival at the property, relatives found the door unlocked and discovered Mr Ryder in his bedroom. A note was also found.
A post mortem examination revealed he died from electrocution and evidence from medical reports revealed that Mr Ryder suffered from depression.
Mr Kelly adjourned the inquest to a date to be fixed.
The inquests into the deaths of Mr Dodgson and Mr Barraclough had also previously been adjourned.
The latest tragedy comes as mortality figures in Public Health England's most recent health profile for North East Lincolnshire show the suicide rate in the borough is above the national average.
In 2011, there were eight confirmed suicides in North East Lincolnshire among those over 15 years and that rose to 10 in 2012.
The national average is 8.5 per 100,000 population, compared to 9.2 locally.
However, the number of people who have taken their own life could be higher because the burden of proof that an individual intended suicide is high.
The latest figures show the number of calls for help from the Grimsby branch of the Samaritans went from 9,500 in 2012 to 6,700 in 2013.
Emily, the director of Samaritans outreach in Grimsby, said the number of calls being handled in Grimsby is dropping, although nationally it is constant. That is due to a drop in the number of volunteers at The Samaritans Grimsby branch.
She said: "But the number of e-mails and texts we get is going up a lot.
"If people do ring they will get through, although they might not be answered straight away. They should keep trying as there will always be a volunteer on the end of the line. They might not be in Grimsby but the call will be taken."
She said there is an increase in demand for advice at this time of year.
Emily said: "The weather can have an effect on people, with longer darker hours and the aftermath of Christmas. All these things can affect people's mental well-being. But it is very much a case of what is going on in people's lives. Every call is different."
She said locally there is an even split between the number of calls for help from men and women.
Anyone wishing to help the charity or become volunteers can contact the service at 55, Alexandra Road, Grimsby, where they have four recruitment sessions throughout the year.
Details are available on 01472 353111.
Anyone experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts is urged to contact Samaritans – available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional – on 08457 909090, e-mail jo@samaritans.org or find the details for your local branch at www.samaritans.org
