An open verdict has been recorded at an inquest into the death of a “caring, generous and helpful” man who died after falling from an apartment block in New York City.
The inquest at Northampton General Hospital on Wednesday heard Stephen Farrow loved travelling and adventure, and worked in fields ranging from marine biology to farming.
Mr Farrow also worked in a bank, at the House of Commons as a research assistant, as an estate agent and in the British Library, and enjoyed a host of activities including mountain climbing, snowboarding, hiking and sailing. He also saved a life by donating one of his kidneys.
The inquest heard Mr Farrow, aged 31, of The Glebe, Badby, died in New York on May 13, 2012, after apparently jumping off an apartment building in the Bronx.
A statement read to the inquest from Mr Farrow’s mother, Marianne, said he had gone to America a month before for a second time, and was positive about the move.
She said: “From 2008 to 2010 he worked in the US, while in Montana, where he worked on a farm and did supply teaching, he also enjoyed mountain climbing, snowboarding and skiing.
“In 2010 he returned to England, where he lived and worked until April 2012, when he flew out to New York to find a job and a place to live.
“Stephen made friends from all walks of life. He was caring, thoughtful, uncritical and trusting. He was generous and helpful
“I am not aware of any incidents triggering suicide. He was positive before he left for New York, where he was looking forward to finding work and a place to live.”
Speaking about her son’s early life, Mrs Farrow said: “He enjoyed school and made friends easily. He was bright and gained A*’s and A’s.
“He enjoyed many activities such as music, art, drama, rugby, cricket, swimming, sailing, hiking, cycling and tennis. He had good social skills and gained a B.A. in classics at Kings College.“
In recording an open verdict, coroner Anne Pember said she couldn’t say beyond reasonable doubt that he had intended to kill himself, nor was she satisfied that it was an accident.