A POPULAR member of the Bournemouth music scene whose depression apparently worsened due to the coronavirus lockdown took his own life, an inquest has heard.

Joshua Huxter, described as 'well-liked by all', died at his Corfe Mullen home earlier this year.

On Friday, at Dorset Coroner's Court, Bournemouth Town Hall, a statement was read from Joshua's father, Terrence Huxter, as part of an inquest into his son's death.

Mr Huxter senior, who found his son deceased in the garage of their Phelipps Road home on the evening of June 18, said: "Joshua was part of a large family of friends and was well-liked by all.

"Josh has suffered bouts of depression, he needed people around him.

"With lockdown this only accentuated his depression."

Mr Huxter's statement went on to describe what happened the day his 27-year-old son – who worked as a window cleaner and had a young daughter from a previous relationship – died.

Terrence Huxter was at home with his two boys, Joshua and his elder brother Lawrence, when he said he and Lawrence were going to the shops.

At this point Joshua said he needed to pop out for an hour.

The last time father and son would see each other was a brief moment as their paths overlapped later that evening.

As Joshua was driving into Phelipps Road, heading towards home, his dad was heading out to the shops.

"We passed each other and waved," recalled his dad.

When he returned home, Joshua was not in the house, so he checked on the gym they had in their garage.

His son's body was discovered inside.

Emergency services were called at 8.40pm and, despite efforts to resuscitate from them and his father, Joshua was later pronounced dead.

Mr Huxter senior said: "Josh had no medical issues and was in good spirits when I saw him in the day.

"After the police had left I found a handwritten note in his bedroom."

In the aftermath of Joshua's death the rock band South of Salem dedicated their single 'Demons are Forever' to him.

The band's lead singer, Joey Draper, said: "He was at every live show and he was just the most smiley and happy guy - he was everyone’s friend.

"Josh was so happy, or so it seemed on the surface.

"When he died, it was a shock for us and hit quite hard."

A police investigation into Joshua's death confirmed no suspicious circumstances, and a subsequent toxicology report showed he had not consumed any alcohol nor any drugs.

Recording a conclusion of suicide, Dorset coroner Richard Middleton said: "His father comments that during the lockdown period, when restrictions were in place, his son suffered from further depression because of those factors involved."

For any readers who have been affected by this story, call the Samaritans helpline on 116 123.