Inquest concludes into tragic death of Street man who died in car fire

A 48-year-old Street man decided to take his own life in a car fire, an inquest heard today (July 1).

Jason Carombayenin, who lived in Queens Road in Street, died on May 14 when he set fire to his own black Volkswagen Golf in Back River Drove, near Glastonbury.

Senior Somerset coroner Tony Williams concluded the inquest today with a verdict of suicide, and a cause of death for Mr Carombayenin of being from severe burns and hot gas inhalation.

The inquest heard that at around 6pm on May 14, a number of passers-by stopped in Back River Drove when they found the car alight, and the police, fire service, air and road ambulances attended.

Mr Carombayenin was pronounced dead at the scene, despite the emergency services' best efforts, and his phone was found in the boot of the car, which included a suicide note that was written in apologetic tones.

Mr Carombayenin had no history of mental health issues but, in a statement read out at the inquest, his wife Joanne said he had become increasingly worried about the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis on his family.

He was a psychotherapist, who had left a job with the NHS in August last year to work as an independent business, and Mrs Carombayenin said he regretted the move and financial security of employment when the coronavirus lockdown happened, despite having a job offer to return to the NHS.

She described Mr Carombayenin as a loving and caring husband and father, who always provided the best for his family.

- If you have been affected by this article in any way, the Samaritans can provide help and advice, via their free telephone number 116 123. Also, the Somerset Suicide Bereavement Support Service can help via their telephone number 0300 330 5463.