A MAN who had "much to live for" tragically took his own life, an inquest ruled.

Adam Ings, 32, was discovered unresponsive in his summer house in South Ockendon on March 13 this year.

He was discovered by a police officer after concerns were raised for his welfare, who sadly pronounced him dead at the scene.

The inquest into his death was held on Wednesday at Essex Coroner's Court in Chelmsford.

Gemma Cook, coroner's officer, told the hearing Mr Ings' death was confirmed at 9.42pm, and that the cause of death had been identified as hanging.

Mr Ings had been born in Purfleet, but lived in South Ockendon for most of his life.

Insp Paul Austin, of Grays Police Station, told senior coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray he had attended the address with a colleague when they spotted Mr Ings through a window.

He said: "Inside, we could see him hanging near the front door.

"I managed to get inside and I approached him, and he was quite clearly deceased.

"After a search of the house, we confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances and no evidence of third party involvement."

Insp Austin also stated that there had been no letters or notes found from Mr Ings in the house stating that he was going to take his own life.

In a statement read out from Mr Ings' mother at the hearing, she said that she will "never know why" he decided to take his own life, and that he had "much to live for", but that she believed "he just found life to hard".

Mrs Beasley Murray said: "I am going to record a conclusion that Adam Ings killed himself.

"What a tragedy. He was clearly very much loved, young and very intelligent, and he had so much going for him."

Addressing Mr Ings' family in court, she said: "I again express my sympathy to you. Hopefully you will be able to dwell upon all the happy memories you have had with him."

Anyone who is considering self-harming, or would like to speak to someone, can call the Samaritans charity 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, free of charge on 116 123.

You can also visit the charity's website at www.samaritans.org.