Press
Caroline Flack's brother never recovered, inquest hears
Images
Paul Flack was Caroline's older brother. They both grew up in Norfolk The brother of TV presenter Caroline Flack took his own life having "never recovered" after his sister's death, an inquest heard. Paul Flack, 55, was found unresponsive at his home in Sandringham Road, Norwich, on 21 June, and died later in hospital. His partner told Norfolk Coroner's Court how he had struggled with his father developing dementia and his younger sister's death in 2020. Area Coroner Johanna Thompson gave a narrative conclusion, stating Paul Flack died while under the influence of alcohol and that his "intent in doing so is unknown". He was described as "everyone's favourite person" by his partner Joanna Millington, but she said this "took its toll". His sister, the ex-Love Island and X Factor host, was found dead at her home in Stoke Newington, east London, on 15 February 2020. "We then went into lockdown for Covid," said Millington, who provided a written statement to the court. "I do not think Paul ever recovered from this." An inquest later established Caroline Flack took her own life, aged 40, having feared press intrusion ahead of her trial accused of assaulting her boyfriend. Earlier, the inquest heard Paul Flack sought help for low mood from his GP in August 2020, but he did not attend follow-up appointments or counselling. The self-employed graphic designer also struggled to find work as the "industry had begun to decline", which "contributed to his sadness", his partner of 32 years said. His father Ian developed dementia in his early 70s in recent years, and died at the beginning of this year. Millington added: "[Paul] was a lovely person, he took a lot on from everyone. "There was no suggestion he would ever harm himself, he said he never would." Paul Flack died at his home in Norwich in June this year On the day of Paul Flack's death - which was Father's Day - the inquest heard he and Millington enjoyed some time together as a family. At 18:30 BST, his daughter offered him a cup of tea and a slice of cake she had made. He declined and instead went to the shop and bought four beers and spent the rest of the evening in the garden listening to music while his partner and daughter watched a film inside. Will Caroline Flack's death be a turning point? Before going to bed at about 22:20, his daughter found he was no longer in the hammock outside. She screamed when she then found him unresponsive. A neighbour attempted CPR and another neighbour called an ambulance. The coroner heard Millington told a neighbour he had been in a "bad mood all day" and that it may be because they were celebrating Father's Day so soon after his dad's death. He was pronounced dead at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital at 23:45. A toxicology report found he had a blood alcohol level four times over the legal alcohol limit to drive. Paul Flack was born in Enfield in north London, but his family later moved to Norwich, where he lived much of his life. He had two children. No family members were present at the inquest If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is available through the BBC Action Line Do you have a story suggestion for Norfolk? Contact us below. Your Voice Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, external, Instagram, external and X, external. Brother of TV star Caroline Flack dies 'No doubt' Flack intended to take own life Mum explores Caroline Flack's life in documentary Will Caroline Flack's death be a turning point? Norfolk Coroner's Court