Tributes have been paid to ‘a beautiful soul’ who took his own life after a three-year struggle with his mind health.
Matthew Gac was found dead at his home in Harwood in August last year, Bolt The coroner’s court has been notified.
After an inquest this week, tributes have been paid to the former high school student from Turton, who was “a skilled carpenter”.
A family statement said: “Matthew Gac – a loving son to Peter and Lynn, amazing brother to Chris and Jennifer, brilliant uncle to Freddie and Indie and a true friend.
“Matt went to Turton High School and qualified as a skilled carpenter where his expertise and perfectionism were admired and appreciated.
“He had a huge love for many genres of music and certainly a foodie.
“Always up to date with everything new and upcoming. His kindness and generosity was on another level.
“Always sociable, known for his contagious smile, his beauty, his kindness, his very funny humor, his sparkling eyes and his true gentleman.
“So well thought out with a beautiful soul and all of his family and friends are incredibly proud of him and will be missed forever.”
Matthew Gac (Picture: NewsQuest)
About three years before his death, Matt began to struggle with his mental health. Coroner Timothy Brennand learned how he suffered from anxiety, moodiness and depressive episodes.
He contacted his doctor in Bromley Cross, but despite an incident around this time, there was no indication that he intended to take his own life.
GP Dr Lawrence Wong said there had been a number of consultations over the years, although following coronavirusthese were not face-to-face.
Dr Wong agreed with the family that his death was “a shock”.
He said: “When we heard the sad news it was a shock.
“I think with Covid we’ve learned that some things have to happen face to face and mental health is one of them. We should learn from that,” he added.
Although Matt has “so much to look forward to”, according to Mr Brennand, including two holidays with his “caring and loving” family, the coroner said the evidence suggested his death was “deliberate” and “intentional”.
At the end of the investigation on January 12, he recorded a verdict of suicide.
Speaking to the family, Mr Brennand said: “I am so sorry for your loss. I was touched by the pen portrait of him and hope those positive and wonderful memories you have of Matthew are those you hold closest to you.”
A fundraiser for the Campaign Against Living Miserable (CALM) has started in Matt’s memory and has raised more than double a goal of £2,000.
To contribute, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/Matt-Gac.
If you have mental health issues or are in crisis, you can call the Samaritans free of charge on 116 123 – they are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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