A "cheerful and helpful" 44-year-old dad who took his own life was found three months after he went missing, an inquest has heard. Damian Karzimierz Poźniak's body was found hanging in woodland in Merthyr Tydfil near Pontsarn by a member of the public on October 1, 2021. He had been missing since July 13.
An inquest at Pontypridd Coroners' Court on Wednesday heard how Mr Poźniak, of Hillcrest in Penydarren, expressed a wish to harm himself in messages prior to his death. Investigations and searches for Mr Poźniak carried out by South Wales Police were unsuccessful, coroner Patricia Morgan stated.
Ms Morgan said: "Damian Karzimierz Poźniak, aged 44, was the subject of a concern for welfare report to South Wales Police on July 14, 2021, after he sent messages indicating an intention to harm himself. Investigations and searches for Mr Poźniak were unsuccessful." He was discovered hanged on October 1. The coroner added: "It is likely that Mr Poźniak, acting alone, intended to bring about the end of his own life." She recorded a conclusion of suicide.
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Speaking to WalesOnline in October 2021 Mr Poźniak's stepdaughter Paulina Tryburcy said he moved to Merthyr Tydfil from Poland with his family around 10 years earlier so they could have a better life. She said he was very close with his partner Luiza Rozwalka and their then 14-year old daughter Wiktoria.
Paying tribute to her stepfather Paulina said: "He was always happy and always smiling. If my mum ever had a little problem, like if her car was broken, he would always help her and tell her not to worry, it's only money. He was very helpful. If anyone needed help he was always there for them. When Wiktoria was born he was always there for my mum and they got even closer. He enjoyed playing on his PlayStation and going to the beach with Wiktoria."
She said the news of his death had come as a huge shock. "During the time he was missing we still had hope that one day he would turn up or knock on my mum's door or maybe he would message us on Facebook or text us to say he was alive. We can't believe it because he didn't show he was struggling with his mental health. Sometimes you are aware that your family member is in psychological distress but he didn't show there was anything wrong with him."
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