**Beloved Merthyr Football Coach’s Death Ruled Suicide at Inquest**
Tragedy has struck the footballing community in Merthyr Tydfil after an inquest determined that dedicated coach and former youth football star Alex Meek, known for his service to young people, died by suicide. The proceedings at Pontypridd Coroners’ Court revealed difficult details about Meek’s final days and the subsequent concerns raised by his devastated family regarding the handling of the investigation.
Alex Meek, aged 31, was found dead at his home on Gladstone Terrace by his father, Paul Meek, on 25 November 2023. His death came just one day after attending a retirement celebration for a work colleague, an event his family said he had been looking forward to. As a well-being and learning coach at a local school, as well as coach for Heolgerrig Red Lion FC, Meek was widely regarded as a positive influence, particularly among local youth, and had previously represented Wales at under-14 level.
The court learnt that in the month leading up to his death, Alex had been on sick leave from his workplace due to stress. Coroner David Regan described him as a fit, active individual who frequented the gym and enjoyed mountain biking. Despite these outward signs of good health and enjoyable routines, evidence was presented that Alex had experienced emotional turmoil following the party. On the night in question, Alex had shared a kiss with a woman, which subsequently led to confrontational messages from her husband.
In a statement read out in court, Paul Meek described his son as appearing happy and discussing plans for the future in the days before his death. He recalled the pair having a positive conversation after the party, with Alex in good spirits despite having consumed alcohol. At around 8am the following morning, Paul left for football coaching, but upon his return two hours later, he discovered Alex had taken his own life. Immediate attempts to revive him using CPR and a defibrillator proved unsuccessful.
As emergency services responded at the scene, Paul Meek answered a phone call intended for Alex, during which the caller demanded to speak with his son in a confrontational manner. The phone also displayed an aggressive message concerning Alex’s actions at the party, referencing the incident with the woman. These messages were later deleted, and the court heard statements from the individuals involved, revealing the distress and arguments that ensued in their household that morning.
Testimony from Grace Conaghan, who had dropped Alex off after midnight, portrayed the encounter as a brief interaction, while the woman at the heart of the dispute detailed an emotionally charged conversation with Alex that had led to their kiss. The court heard she became concerned for Alex’s wellbeing after her husband discovered their meeting, sending messages and attempting to call him in the hours before his death.
Further evidence revealed Alex had been prescribed anxiety medication for five years and had repeatedly sought mental health support throughout 2022 and 2023. A pathologist reported low traces of alcohol within Alex’s system, well below the legal driving limit, and a similarly low level of paracetamol, but no signs of physical injury.
Police officers at the inquest stated there was no evidence of third-party involvement, though Paul Meek raised serious questions about the handling of the investigation. He highlighted discrepancies between witness accounts and expressed concern over South Wales Police’s limited engagement with his family, as well as apparent failures in attempting to access Alex’s phone and digital devices.
Coroner Regan, after reviewing all of the evidence—including a letter left by Alex—concluded that Alex had intended to take his own life, despite outward appearances suggesting otherwise. The court acknowledged the shock and heartbreak experienced by Alex’s family and the wider community, reflecting on his positive plans for the future, including travel and personal projects.
The coroner offered condolences to Alex’s family, stating: “He will be sadly missed not just by his family here today, but by his wider family and community.” The loss of Alex Meek is a poignant reminder of the hidden struggles people can face, regardless of the strength and kindness they display to others.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, support is available. Mind Cymru can be reached at 0300 123 3393, Samaritans are available around the clock at 116 123, and C.A.L.L. can be contacted on 0800 132 737. The NHS 111 service also offers advice and support with mental health concerns.