A 25-year-old man originally from Devon who had recently moved to Western Australia tragically took his own life, according to findings from an inquest. The individual, identified as Daniel Willis, was born in Plymouth and grew up in Tavistock. His passing occurred near Perth in July 2024, with the inquest recently being held in Exeter.
Daniel, who was well-regarded in the community, had a background in football, having played for Tavistock Community Football Club and undergoing trials with the Plymouth Argyle youth academy. In memory of Daniel, a charity football match is being arranged to raise funds for a local mental health organization.
Having relocated to Australia in 2022 where he worked as an engineer, Daniel was reported missing by friends before being discovered deceased by a park ranger on the outskirts of the city. The investigation found that Daniel had been prescribed medication for anxiety and depression shortly before his passing, with the coroner confirming the presence of these substances in his system. Notably, his medical records in the UK did not indicate any prior mental health issues. The coroner’s verdict was suicide.
To honor his memory, a charity football match organized by his brother raised £2,000 for Mind, aiming to spark discussions about mental health. The DW Cup is set to return on May 16, with proceeds supporting Man Down UK.
Daniel’s brother, Carl Willis, expressed the importance of raising awareness about mental health and encouraging men to open up about their struggles. The charity match is scheduled for 2 pm at Tavistock Crowndale pitch on Saturday, May 16.
For more information on the upcoming match, visit the provided link. Additionally, emotional support is available through the Samaritans helpline, email, in-person visits to branches, or their website.
