Black Triangle Highlights Latest Benefits Deaths

Provide by disability campaigning group Black Triangle this latest update on DWP related deaths makes for grim reading. 

Chae Bennett  aged 21, committed suicide on April 15 this year in woodland near his family home takes his own life, because he was let down by a system already underfunded http://morningstaronline.co.uk/a-0b49-Mum-ordered-to-pay-back-dead-sons-benefits#.Vtnm9-aBQ4o

Stephen Lynam Aged 53  He suffered from Anxiety and Depression as well as high blood pressure, a heart condition and muscular-skeleton problems. Found Fit for Work, he waited for 22weeks to here that he his Mandatory  Reconsideration had been refused and died not long after hearing that he could appeal the decision.

http://barnsleycsc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Annual-Report-2015_6587_P6.pdf

Added February 2016

Paul Donnachie who suffered from “severe” mental health issues, had been declared fit to work after he failed to attend a work capability assessment in June was found dead at his home after an error saw his payments stop and he owed more than £3,000 in unpaid rent. Upon realising their mistake, the council sent Mr Donnachie a letter telling him his benefits would be reinstated. But by the time it arrived it was too late – it was found unopened in his flat along with his body. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/murdered-tories-mentally-ill-man-7348866

Added January 2016

Peter Anthony Limacher, who suffered from anxiety and depression as well as substance misuse, had low mood and anxiety, and worries about debt, after he had also lost his disability living allowance. He was described as a “kind hearted and loyal person”, died on May 14 when he was found hanging in his home. North Wales Pioneer News Nov 11 /15

Frances McCormack, aged 53, had been badgered for Bedroom Tax after the death of her 16 year old son Jack Allen in 2013, the coroner heard. A mother threatened with eviction from the house where her son took his own life was found hanged in the same spot, an inquest heard. A handwritten note written 10 days previously was found in her bedroom, part of which was addressed to David Cameron on the hardship the Bedroom Tax was causing.http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/grieving-mum-found-hanged-near-7223683#ICID=sharebar_twitter

Added December 2015

Stephen Smith Aged 50 He had a history of anxiety and took his own life after changes to his benefits left him unable to cope.http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/leiston_man_50_died_after_being_unable_to_cope_with_changes_to_benefits_1_4345054

November 2015

Angela Smith, Her father has stated that her suicide was triggered by fit-for-work tests. In early September Angela took her own life – just as she had told doctors she was going to do

 Added in October 2015

Luke Alexander Loy, Aged 42. He had schizophrenia and was found fit for work, then sanctioned by the (DWP) for failing to attend meetings at Jobcentre Plus and not actively looking for work, and fell further and further into debt. He died 29th May 2015

 Added September 2015

 Ruby Urbacz age 59 She was found dead at her home on the 6th September 2015 as a result of a heart attack. Her benefits were stopped without any investigation as she missed her jsa appointment whilst in hospital, after her discharge she had received no money for five consecutive weeks of the £50 per week she would have normally received she was also paying £20 per week in bedroom tax. On only £30 per week She could not afford to feed herself properly as bills were her main priority,http://linkis.com/LQ7gp

Sheila Holt aged 48 “She had been in a coma following a heart attack she suffered at a psychiatric unit. She hadn’t worked for 27 years. She was admitted to the unit after being pushed into the Government’s Work Programme – terrified that her benefits would be cut. While Sheila lay unconscious in hospital, she was sent letters from Seetec, the private company providing the Work Programme” http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/ros-wynne-jones-sheila-hounded-death-5353202

Michael Brendan O’SULLIVAN aged 60: “He was on anti-depressants and having therapy sessions, he met a benefits advisor for an hour and a half to beg for his payments to continue. He was forced to search for work for six months before hanging himself.” http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/landmark-verdict-declares-lovely-quiet-6487928

Original List

Conor Cribbin, 25 years old. The student suffered from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and his medical card was stopped in the period leading up to his suicide. He had also learned just days prior that he had failed to secure a college grant. According to his father, Conor was in low spirits in the days beforehand. He added: “He couldn’t get his medication for his ADHD.”http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/student-took-life-days-after-4683647

Mark Cotton, 54 years old. Lost both his legs due to a medical condition. Died in an apparent suicide fewer than 48 hours after being told an allowance to pay his carer was being cut from nine hours a week to only three.http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/11604492.Double_amputee_killed_himself_after_benefits_slashed__say_anguished_family/
Terry McGarvey, 48 years old. Dangerously ill from polycytheamia, Terry asked for an ambulance to be called during his Work Capability Assessment. He knew that he wasn’t well enough to attend his WCA but feared that his benefits would be stopped if he did not.
He died the following day. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/terry-mcgarvey-man-ill-attend-3178486

Elaine Lowe, 53 years old. Suffering from COPD and fearful of losing her benefits. In desperation, Elaine chose to commit suicide.http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/suicide-bid-of-woman-who-feared-losing-her-incapacity-benefit-8761182.html

Mark Wood, 44 years old. Found fit for work by Atos, against his Doctors advice and assertions that he had complex mental health problems. Starved to death after benefits stopped, weighing only 5st 8lb when he died.http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/feb/28/man-starved-to-death-after-benefits-cut
Paul Reekie, 48 years old, the Leith based Poet and Author. Suffered from severe depression. Committed suicide after DWP stopped his benefits due to an Atos ‘fit for work’ decision. http://www.scotsman.com/news/author-s-suicide-due-to-slash-in-benefits-1-1367963
Leanne Chambers, 30 years old. Suffered depression for many years which took a turn for the worst when she was called in for a WCA. Leanne committed suicide soon after. http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/body-found-river-wear-leanne-1418087
Karen Sherlock, 44 years old. Multiple health issues. Found fit for work by Atos and denied benefits. Fought a long battle to get placed into the support group of ESA. Karen died the following month of a heart attack.http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/voices/2012/06/disability-karen-sherlock-sue-marsh
Carl Payne, 42 years old. Fears of losing his lifeline benefits due to welfare reform led this Father of two to take his own life.http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/inquest-hears-of-cumbrian-dad-s-health-benefits-worries-1.966288
Tim Salter, 53 years old. Blind and suffering from Agoraphobia. Tim hanged himself after Atos found him fit for work and stopped his benefits.http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jan/11/publication-secret-review-benefits-cut-tim-salter
Edward Jacques, 47 years old. years old and suffering from HIV and Hepatitis C. Edward had a history of severe depression and self-harm. He took a fatal overdose after Atos found him fit for work and stopped his benefits.http://www.nottinghampost.com/Sneinton-man-overdoses-benefits-stopped/story-19906973-detail/story.html
Linda Wootton, 49 years old. years old. A double heart and lung transplant patient. Died just nine days after the government found her fit for work, their refusal letter arriving as she lay desperately ill in her hospital bed.http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/linda-wootton-double-heart-lung-1912498

Steven Cawthra, 55 years old. His benefits stopped by the DWP and with rising debts, he saw suicide as the only way out of a desperate situation
Elenore Tatton, 39 years old. Died just weeks after the government found her fit for work. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/mum-of-three-elenore-told-find-job-2074333
John Walker, 57 years old. saddled with debt because of the bedroom tax, John took his own life. http://www.wigantoday.net/news/local/haunted-by-bedroom-tax-debt-torment-1-5953468
Brian McArdle, 57 years old. Suffered a fatal heart attack the day after his disability benefits were stopped.http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/tory-hatchet-man-iain-duncan-1453863

Stephen Hill, 53 years old. Died of a heart attack one month after being found fit for work, even though he was waiting for major heart surgery.http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/9436969/Disability-tests-sending-sick-and-disabled-back-to-work.html
Jacqueline Harris, 53 years old. A former Nurse who could hardly walk was found fit for work by Atos and her benefits withdrawn. in desperation, she took her own life. http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sister-killed-disability-benefit-stopped/story-20170841-detail/story.html
David Barr, 28 years old. Suffering from severe mental difficulties. Threw himself from a bridge after being found fit for work by Atos and failing his appeal. http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/heartbroken-dad-reveals-agony-decision-2343897
David Groves, 56 years old. Died of a heart attack the night before taking his work capability assessment. His widow claimed that it was the stress that killed him. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/stress-of-tory-benefits-tests-killed-129934
Nicholas Peter Barker, 51 years old. Shot himself after being told his benefits were being stopped. He was unable to work after a brain haemorrhage left him paralysed down one side.http://www.gazetteherald.co.uk/news/10360733.Benefits_withdrawal_led_to_man___s_suicide/
Mark and Helen Mullins, 48 and 59 years old. Forced to live on £57.50 a week and make 12 mile trips each week to get free vegetables to make soup. Mark and Helen both committed suicide. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-15645206
Richard Sanderson, 44 years old. Unable to find a job and with his housing benefit cut forcing him to move, but with nowhere to go. Richard committed suicide.http://www.courtnewsuk.co.uk/newsgallery/?news_id=26081
Martin Rust, 36 years old. A schizophrenic man who killed himself two months after the government found him fit to work.http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/norwich_man_killed_himself_over_back_to_work_fears_1_1358116
Craig Monk, 43 years old. A vulnerable gentleman and a partial amputee who slipped so far into poverty that he hanged himself.http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/9550982.Benefits_man_found_hanged__inquest_heard/?ref=twtrec
Colin Traynor, 29 years old and suffering from epilepsy was stripped of his benefits. He appealed. Five weeks after his death his family found he had won his appeal.http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/09/26/atos-disability-benefits-colin-traynor-epilepsy-_n_1917042.html
Elaine Christian, 57 years old. Worried about her work capability assessment, she was subsequently found at Holderness drain, drowned and with ten self-inflicted wrist wounds. http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Woman-drowned-drain-upset-health-check/story-12927176-detail/story.html
Christelle Pardoe , 32 years old and Kayjah Pardoe 5 month old.Pregnant, her benefits stopped, Christelle, clutching her baby son jumped from a third floor balcony.http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1232911/Mother-leaps-death-baby-arms-benefits-stopped.html
Mark Scott, 46 years old. His DLA and housing benefit stopped and sinking into deep depression, Mark died six weeks later.http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/merseyside-dad-whose-son-died-3338966
Cecilia Burns, 51 years old. Found fit for work while undergoing treatment for breast cancer. She died just a few weeks after she won her appeal against the Atos decision.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19433535
Chris Cann, 57 years old. Found dead in his home just months after being told he had to undergo a medical assessment to prove he could not work.http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Shelton-benefits-blunder-victim-Chris-Cann-dies/story-17574922-detail/story.html
Peter Hodgson, 49 years old. Called to JCP to see if he was suitable for volunteer work. Peter had suffered a stroke, a brain haemorrhage and had a fused leg. His appointment letter arrived a few days after he took his own life.http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/pushed-over-the-edge-by-benefits-fear-1.1045847
Stephanie Bottrill, 53 years old. After paying £80 a month for bedroom tax, Stephanie could not afford heating in the winter, and lived on tinned custard. In desperation, she chose to walk in front of a lorry.http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/stephanie-bottrill-who-blamed-the-bedroom-tax-for-her-suicide-had-history-of-depression-inquest-9664921.html
Larry Newman suffered from a degenerative lung condition, his weight dropping from 10 to 7 stone. Atos awarded him zero points, he died just three months after submitting his appeal.http://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/jul/24/atos-case-study-larry-newman
Paul Turner, 52 years old. After suffering a heart attack, he was ordered to find a job in February. In April Paul died from ischaemic heart disease.http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/birmingham-dad-dies-of-heart-condition-187961
Christopher Charles Harkness, 39. After finding out that the funding for his care home was being withdrawn, this man who suffered with mental health issues, took his own life.
Sandra Louise Moon, 57 years old. Suffering from a degenerative back condition, depression and increasingly worried about losing her incapacity benefit. Sandra committed suicide by taking an overdose.http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/local/back-problems-led-to-fatal-dose-1-437852
Lee Robinson, 39 years old. Took his own life after his housing benefit and council tax were taken away from him.http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/10649155.Crawley_man_killed_himself_after_losing_benefits/
David Coupe, 57 years old. A Cancer sufferer found fit for work by Atos in 2012. David lost his sight, then his hearing, then his mobility, and then his life.http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2474772/Farmer-David-Coupe-refused-Atos-healthcare-reassessment-diagnosed-terminal-cancer.html
Michael McNicholas, 34 years old. Severely depressed and a recovering alcoholic. Michael committed suicide after being called in for a Work Capability Assessment by Atos. http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Grieving-parents-pay-tribute-Sandyford-dad-dead/story-20385977-detail/story.html
Victor Cuff, 59 years old and suffering from severe depression. Victor hanged himself after the DWP stopped his benefits.http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/10842726.Unemployed_Gravesend_man_hanged_himself_after_sickness_benefits_were_cut/?ref=twtrec
Charles Barden, 74 years old. Charles committed suicide by hanging due to fears that the Bedroom Tax would leave him destitute and unable to cope.http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/bedroom-tax-pensioner-charles-barden-2670737
Ian Caress, 43 years old. Suffered multiple health issues and deteriorating eyesight. Ian was found fit for work by Atos, he died ten months later having lost so much weight that his family said that he resembled a concentration camp victim.
Iain Hodge, 30 years old. Suffered from the life threatening illness, Hughes Syndrome. Found fit for work by Atos and benefits stopped, Iain took his own life. http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/05/14/benefits-suicide-iain-hodge-lanarkshire-east-kilbride-_n_3272646.html
Wayne Grew, 37 years old. Severely depressed due to government cuts and the fear of losing his job, Wayne committed suicide by hanging.http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/nhs-pays-out-family-birmingham-7408982
Kevin Bennett, 40 years old. Kevin a sufferer of schizophrenia and mental illness became so depressed after his JSA was stopped that he became a virtual recluse. Kevin was found dead in his flat several months later.http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/9840466.Schizophrenic_man_lay_dead_in_Watford_flat_for____several_months/
David Elwyn Hughs Harries, 48 years old. A disabled man who could no longer cope after his parents died, could find no help from the government via benefits. David took an overdose as a way out of his solitude.
Denis Jones, 58 years old. A disabled man crushed by the pressures of government cuts, in particular the Bedroom Tax, and unable to survive by himself. Denis was found dead in his flat.http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/westhoughton/10887890.Friends__funeral_appeal_for_disabled_man_who_died_after_his_benefits_were_stopped/
Shaun Pilkington, 58 years old. Unable to cope any more, Shaun shot himself dead after receiving a letter from the DWP informing him that his ESA was being stopped. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/grandad-shaun-pilkington-shoots-himself-2989685
Paul ?, 51 years old .Died in a freezing cold flat after his ESA was stopped. Paul appealed the decision and won on the day that he lost his battle to live.
Chris MaGuire, 61 years old. Deeply depressed and incapable of work, Chris was summonsed by Atos for a Work Capability Assessment and deemed fit for work. On appeal, a judge overturned the Atos decision and ordered them to leave him alone for at least a year, which they did not do. In desperation, Chris took his own life, unable to cope anymore.https://welfaretales.wordpress.com/2013/12/12/rip-chris-maguire-leeds-socialist-activist-and-musician-who-took-his-own-life-yesterday/
Peter Duut, a Dutch national with terminal cancer living in the UK for many years found that he was not entitled to benefits unless he was active in the labour market. Peter died leaving his wife destitute, and unable to pay for his funeral.http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Dying-manhas-12p-day-eat/story-22746941-detail/story.html
George Scollen, age unknown. Took his own life after the government closed the Remploy factory he had worked in for 40 years.http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/heartbroken-remploy-factory-workers-say-1568107#h2RYtGL2Ee05XZld.97
Julian Little, 47 years old. Wheelchair bound and suffering from kidney failure, Julian faced the harsh restrictions of the Bedroom Tax and the loss of his essential dialysis room. He died shortly after being ordered to downgrade.
Miss DE, Early 50’s. Suffering from mental illness, this lady committed suicide less than a month after an Atos assessor gave her zero points and declared her fit for work.  https://www.rt.com/uk/206247-benefit-cuts-related-deaths/
Robert Barlow, 47 years old. Suffering from a brain tumour, a heart defect and awaiting a transplant, Robert was deemed fit for work by Atos and his benefits were withdrawn. He died penniless less than two years later.http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/dying-merseyside-man-told-benefits-6924979
Carl Joseph Foster-Brown, 58 years old. As a direct consequence of the wholly unjustifiable actions of the Job centre and DWP, this man took his own life.
Martin Hadfield, 20 years old. Disillusioned with the lack of jobs available in this country but too proud to claim benefits. Utterly demoralised, Martin took his own life by hanging himself. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/tragic-youngster-killed-himself-because-3576403
Annette Francis, 30 years old. A mum-of-one suffering from severe mental illness, found dead after her disability benefits were ceased.http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/tragedy-liverpool-mum-who-died-7232928
Ian Jordan, 60 years old. His benefits slashed after Atos and the DWP declared Ian, a sufferer of Barratt’s Oesophagus, fit for work, caused him to run up massive debts in order to survive. Ian was found dead in his flat after taking an overdose.
Janet McCall, 53 years old. Terminally ill with pulmonary fibrosis and declared ‘Fit for Work’ by Atos and the DWP, this lady died 5 months after her benefits were stopped.
Stuart Holley, 23 years old. A man driven to suicide by the DWP’s incessant pressure and threat of sanctions for not being able to find a job.
Graham Shawcross, 63 years old. A sufferer of the debilitating disease, Addison’s. Died of a heart attack due to the stress of an Atos ‘Fit for Work’ decision.
David Clapson, 59 years old. A diabetic ex-soldier deprived of the means to survive by the DWP and the governments harsh welfare reforms, David died all but penniless, starving and alone, his electricity run out.
Chris Smith, 59 years old. Declared ‘Fit for Work’ by Atos as he lay dying of Cancer in his hospital bed.
Nathan Hartwell, 36 years old, died of heart failure after an 18-month battle with the ­Department for Works and Pensions.
Michael Connolly, 60 years old. A Father of One, increasingly worried about finances after his benefits were cut. Committed suicide by taking 13 times the fatal dose of prescription medicine on the 30th October – His Birthday.
Jan Mandeville, 52 years old, A lady suffering from Fibromyalgia, driven to the point of mental and physical breakdown by this governments welfare reforms. Jan was found dead in her home after battling the DWP for ESA and DLA.
Trevor Drakard, 50 years old. A shy and reserved, severe epileptic who suffered regular and terrifying fits almost his entire life, hounded to suicide by the DWP who threatened to stop his life-line benefits.
Unnamed, death of a severely disabled Dorset resident, who took her own life while battling the bedroom tax.

Aaron Lane, 31 years old. A talented musician battling mental health problems took his own life after he was ruled fit to work.

Glen Harris, 55 years old. Killed himself with an electric saw because he feared his benefits would be changed after being found fit for work.

Peter Kelleher, 44 years old. Found in his flat with a ligature around his neck and in a state of decomposition after the pressure of mounting debt and no benefit at all became too much to bear.
Elaine Lowe, 53 years old. Suffering from COPD and fearful of losing her benefits. In desperation, Elaine chose to commit suicide.

John Walker, 57 years old. John found himself saddled with debt because of the bedroom tax, and took his own life as a result.

Malcolm Burge, 66 years old. A retired gardener who killed himself after being hounded for £800 after changes to his benefits left him unable to cope.
Julia Kelly, 39 years old. Suffering with chronic back pain and hounded constantly by the DWP, Julia commited suicide after receiving a letter demanding that she pay back over £4000.http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/northampton-woman-39-took-her-own-life-after-constant-battle-to-receive-disability-benefit-1-6615017
Benjamin Del McDonald, 34 years old. A doting Father of three children suffering from depression due to removal of his lifeline benefits, Benjamin committed suicide by hanging.
Mark William Jacka, 26 years old. Stressed to the point of suicide, Mark was found hanged at his home the day after a visit to his local Job Centre to apply for JSA.
David O’Mar, 58 years old. Suffering from Pneumonia in a hospital bed. Found ‘Fit for Work’ by the DWP only to die two weeks later.

Moira Drury , 61 years old. Suffering from limited mobility, mini-strokes, epilepsy and depression. Her daughter believes that a seven-month delay in processing her benefit claim hastened her death.

Paul Willcoxson, 31 years old. Suffering from mental health problems who was worried about benefit cuts hanged himself while he was searching for a job on the south coast, an inquest heard.http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/9095159.display/

Chris Smith 59 years old. While he lay in a hospital bed, dying of cancer. The Jobcentre bombarded him with texts telling him he had to apply for jobs, and letters urging him to come to ‘job workshops.’

Gordon Lang   62 years old, A marine veteran who died from cancer while battling the state over benefits

Nick Barker Former sheep farmer, Nick had a brain haemorrhage which left him struggling to walk. The father of two shot himself after the DWP claimed he was fit to work. Recording a suicide verdict, coroner Michael Oakley said the benefits assessment was key to the tragedy.

Robert Barlow. Robert worked as a Government scientist but gave it up when diagnosed with severe cardiomypathy. The DWP deemed him fit to work. He died penniless under 2 years later.

Deteriorating health while waiting for a decision

 Thomas O’Donnell – He suffered from epilepsy, depression, arthritis and memory loss – yet was made to wait eight months for his Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/disabled-man-left-malnutrition-after-3795893

Found Fit for work

David Waite, 60 years old, suffers from a string of health problems including brain, damage neck pain, diabetes and depression.

The Peoples review of the WCA published this report. There is a long depressing list of other people whose health has deteriorated after being “found fit for work” http://www.centreforwelfarereform.org/library/type/pdfs/the-peoples-review-of-the-wca.html published 20th Dc 2014