A man from Mountain Ash lost his life after deliberately driving his vehicle off a well-known cliff in the Vale of Glamorgan, according to the findings of a recent inquest. The incident, which led to the death of 43-year-old Daniel Adam Stevens, occurred on 20 March 2024 at Southerndown beach, also referred to as Dunraven Bay. Details of the tragic event emerged during proceedings at Pontypridd Coroners’ Court.
On the evening before his death, Mr Stevens had been involved in a disagreement with someone close to him, court records state. In the early hours of the following morning, at 2.05am, he sent a text message to this individual, expressing a clear intention to end his life. The events that followed resulted in Mr Stevens’ vehicle being discovered at the base of the cliffs, after what a senior coroner described as a deliberate act.
During the inquest, Coroner Graeme Hughes outlined that Mr Stevens had gone through periods of acute mental ill health in the months prior to his death. The coroner explained that Mr Stevens had engaged with a variety of healthcare services, both at the primary and secondary levels, in the attempt to address his mental health struggles. This context served to underline the serious and persistent challenges that he faced.
Coroner Hughes provided further detail on the timeline of events, stating: “On the morning of 20 March 2024, Daniel Stevens purposefully drove his vehicle to the Southerndown cliffs. He then made a conscious decision to drive the vehicle over the edge, resulting in a significant collision with rocks far below.” The coroner confirmed that, as a direct result of this incident, Mr Stevens sustained a fatal head injury.
The official conclusion recorded by the inquest was one of suicide, with the medical cause of death formally described as a traumatic head injury. No evidence suggested that anyone else was involved in the sequence of events leading to Mr Stevens’ death.
Reporting on inquest proceedings can be deeply sensitive, but also serves a vital public role. Open court hearings such as these are instrumental in establishing clear facts, dispelling rumours and speculation, and ensuring that lessons are learned that may help to prevent similar tragedies in future. The press holds a legal right and professional duty to cover inquests, contributing to transparency and increased understanding around often stigmatised issues like mental health and suicide.
Engagement with families and friends of those who have died can add important perspectives and tributes, though it is always respected when loved ones wish to maintain their privacy. Frequently, such reporting can lead to broader social conversations about mental health, support services and the importance of early intervention. When conducted thoughtfully, media coverage of inquest findings may even prompt policy discussions or improved resources for vulnerable members of the community.
This latest case underscores the urgent need for accessible and effective support for those experiencing acute mental health difficulties. It is an opportunity to remind the public that confidential assistance is available for anyone struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Samaritans can be contacted at any time, on 116 123, offering round-the-clock help and a compassionate ear.
As the Vale of Glamorgan community reflects on the loss of Mr Stevens, the hope remains that increased openness and support around mental health challenges will help prevent more families from enduring similar pain.