Kevin Rowley, 47, was found dead in his bed at his home in Hulme, Manchester, with a poignant final note discovered nearby.
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In a heartbreaking incident, an actor who appeared in both Coronation Street and Hollyoaks was found dead in his bed at his home in Hulme, Manchester, with a poignant note nearby.
Kevin Rowley was just 47 when he tragically took his own life after years of struggling with depression and anxiety. He had appeared as an extra in popular television programmes, including Coronation Street and Hollyoaks. Those who knew him remembered him as a man who always had a smile on his face and possessed a wonderful sense of humour.
The actor died on August 15, 2017, after reportedly experiencing mental health difficulties since his mid-teens. An inquest heard that Kevin’s struggles had become considerably worse as he found it particularly challenging to cope with major milestones in his life, including his 30th and 40th birthdays.
Kevin was found dead almost nine years ago, with a suicide note containing his family’s contact details discovered alongside him. Police were called to his home in Manchester after receiving a call from someone concerned about his wellbeing.
Throughout his life, Kevin had pursued a range of different careers. Alongside working as a television extra in well-known soap operas such as Hollyoaks and the long-running Coronation Street, he had also worked as a flight attendant and holiday representative before eventually training to become a counsellor.
In a statement released at the time, Kevin Rowley’s brother, Paul Rowley, said: “He worked as an extra on television programmes such as Hollyoaks and Coronation Street, although there were lengthy periods when he was unemployed.
“He had been in a few long-term relationships, but none had been particularly significant. Kevin began experiencing anxiety and depression in his mid-teens. He was very close to his mother and was deeply affected by her death.
“He found major life milestones, including his 30th and 40th birthdays, particularly difficult to cope with. He made numerous calls for help, and these became more frequent as he grew older.”
Kevin’s brother also explained that he had been more open about his feelings with Paul’s wife. He added that Kevin occasionally spent time with other friends and that he was unaware of any physical health problems.
Paul continued: “He looked after himself and stayed fit and healthy, but he had struggled with depression throughout his life. We kept in touch through text messages and phone calls. The last time I spoke to him was in January 2017.”
Paul also revealed that Kevin had spent a short period living in Dublin with friends. He explained that his brother had previously lived in ski resorts in Austria and other locations while working as a holiday representative.
Kevin had also been dealing with relationship difficulties and financial concerns.
Final Heartbreaking Note
The coroner shared further details about the devastating note discovered alongside Kevin Rowley’s body.
Manchester coroner Jean Harkin recorded a verdict of suicide, explaining: “It is clear that Kevin had a history of mental health difficulties and suicidal thoughts, and there is evidence that he sought support.
“A note was found outlining his wishes after his death, and the evidence indicates that Kevin intended to take his own life. I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to his friends and brother.”
Fiona Winstanley, an officer with a mental health access team, revealed that Kevin had regular appointments with the service and frequently sought its support. However, as he also worked as a counsellor at The Sanctuary counselling service in Manchester, he was reluctant to become fully involved with the team’s provision.
Fiona explained: “He said he did not want to encounter people he had previously worked with. He experienced suicidal thoughts but tended to keep his feelings to himself. He had been prescribed medication to help manage his anxiety, including diazepam, which had benefited him in the past.
“He was advised about accessing crisis support, but said he would not use it and did not engage with the crisis team. Some days he felt he needed the service, while on other days he felt he had recovered.”
Police confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the former Coronation Street and Hollyoaks actor.
Following Kevin’s death, friends and supporters raised £1,600 towards his funeral costs. Donations were also made to the Manchester counselling service where he had worked.
On a JustGiving page created in his memory, his close friend Maz Hussain wrote: “Most people will remember Kevin as someone who always had a smile on his face and a wonderful sense of humour. However, Kevin was also struggling with a personality disorder, and there was another side to him that found it difficult to cope with anxiety, depression and loneliness. Eventually, it all became too much for him.
“Whatever you are going through, no matter how dark things may seem or how hopeless and lost you might feel, please do not suffer alone. Never be afraid to reach out to the people around you.”
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