A 27-YEAR-OLD man sent his wife a final text saying "I'm going to jump. I'm about to jump. Too late now - I hope you're happy" before hanging himself from a tree in Cam, an inquest heard.

Luther George Nicholas was reported missing earlier that day by his wife April and search teams were trying to find him when he killed himself in woodland near Cam Peak on Tuesday, March 3.

Gloucestershire coroner Katy Skerrett recorded a verdict of suicide on Mr Nicholas, of Cam.

Mr Nicholas’ body was found hanging from a 20ft tree on March 5 by a head groom at a stables who was out riding a horse past the woodland.

A rucksack was found nearby in a shelter made out of branches. It contained a doctor’s note referencing Mr Nicholas’ suffering from depression and anxiety. Close to the shelter were a few discarded lager cans and the remains of a fire.

Mr Nicholas had been using a mobile phone to contact family and friends via text.

The last text he sent was to his wife April just before 7pm on March 3 when he said he was about to jump. She has said, however, that she had already blocked his number by that stage and never received such a message. 

A report from his GP surgery said he saw a doctor the previous day. The doctor said despite the anxiety and depression Mr Nicholas seemed to be in good humour and was discussing the future.

Toxicology tests founded traces of cannabis in his body but not alcohol. A pathologist said death was due to hanging.

The coroner said: "He was going through a highly difficult personal situation and domestic situation."

In attendance at the inquest was April Nicholas’ mother Diane Russell. She told the Gazette she was there on behalf of her bereaved daughter.