A keen rugby player and strongman described by his mother as a “gentle giant” had a prescription for anti-psychotic medication withdrawn weeks before his death, an inquest heard.
James Snowden, who had struggled with suicidal feelings since childhood, was 21 when his body was found at his family home in Altrincham in December 2024.
Manchester South Coroner’s Court heard after numerous attempts to take his own life he had been prescribed sulpiride in 2021 – which his mother said had helped him “pursue a full life”.
When James died he was under the care of the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, which will give evidence throughout the week and has been approached for comment.
However, the court heard that on 26 November 2024, James had attended an appointment to plan for the gradual withdrawal of the drug.
Snowden, a keen sportsman, had been a member of Broughton Park FC and Sale FC Rugby Clubs and St Lawrence’s Gaelic Football Club.
As a competitive strongman, in 2019 he reportedly became the second youngest person on record to lift the famed Dinnie Stones at the first attempt, unassisted, at The Gathering stone-lifting contest in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.