A "great partner, dad, brother and son" from Bolton tragically died at his home aged 38 after struggling with his mental health.

Aaron Hamilton was found unresponsive at his home on St John's Road, Lostock, on December 11 last year. 

Mr Hamilton, a builder and joiner, lived with his partner, Gemma Crompton, and their daughter. 

An inquest into his death was held at Bolton Coroners' Court on February 16. 

Drew Hamilton, his brother, spoke about Aaron at the hearing. 

He went to Wingates Primary School, followed by Westhoughton High School, and had a "happy childhood" according to Drew. 

After school he went into joinery, taking an apprenticeship for "12-18 months" before joining his father's business, where he worked until his death. 

However, in his adult life, Aaron "struggled with drinking", with issues worsening during the pandemic. 

Drew said: "I think it took effect during Covid, as he wasn't working he had to spend a lot of time on his own. 

"It was a mixture, he had social drinks at pubs and parties and things, he was more likely drinking in secret at the time. 

"Past Covid there was more drinking alone, he wouldn't go to be with other people, more by himself or with his partner." 

In 2021, Aaron confessed to his family about issues he had been having with his mental health and being "dependent on alcohol". 

He struggled with alcohol, wanting to go into rehab but being discouraged as he did not want to leave his family. 

He engaged with recovery service Achieve in 2021 and in 2023, in efforts to curb his dependency. 

On December 11 last year, he and his brother helped their parents to move house. 

Drew said: "We were moving my mum and dad. Me and my friend had come, they even said he was in high spirits. 

"I don't think he'd had a drink the night before, he seemed energetic and in high spirits. 

"He'd had a really bad fall at work that week, he was well in himself but in a lot of pain from that." 

After helping his parents, Aaron drove home. 

Police Coroners Officer Rachel O'Driscoll told the inquest of what his partner, Gemma Crompton, saw that day. 

She received a text from him at 2.18pm saying: "Tell (our daughter) bye, trust me it's getting done." 

They exchanged further messages, then Aaron sent another message at 4.15pm which said: "Goodbye". 

Due to work, Ms Crompton did not see the message until half an hour later.

She tried to call him, to no avail, but asked her daughter if she was at home. She confirmed her dad was there with her. 

Ms Crompton then returned home at 5.30pm and called paramedics after finding her partner hanging.  

Aaron was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Paying tribute after the inquest, Drew, said: "He was a great partner, dad, brother and son." 

Pathologist Andrew Coates recorded his cause of death as hanging. 

Concluding, Assistant Coroner Bronia Hartley gave his death as having been a suicide. 

Addressing Drew, she added: "Thank you for attending, the evidence you have given me has been of real assistance." 

She finished by offering her condolences to him and the rest of the family. 

Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year, providing a safe place to talk for anyone who is struggling to cope.

Call 116 123 (this number is free to call and will not appear on your phone bill), 01204 521200 or email jo@samaritans.org.