West Ilsley businessman Michael Fricker ‘took own life’ at Thatcham rail station - coroner

The reason a successful businessman killed himself by jumping in front of a train will likely remain a mystery.

An inquest into the death, held in Reading Town Hall on Wednesday, November 13, heard 44-year-old Michael Fricker had shown no signs of wanting to self-harm or to take his own life.

He enjoyed foreign holidays with his partner, travelling often to Dubai, and had an interest in golf, cars and football.

He appeared to be a happy person on the whole, the inquest heard.

However, on May 28, he jumped in front of a train at a West Berkshire station.

The coroner heard Mr Fricker, of West Ilsley, had moved quickly forwards and he was struck by the train.

A post mortem examination recorded the cause of death as multiple injuries.

The incident was captured by CCTV and was witnessed by the train driver.

The hearing was told that Mr Fricker had visited another railway station earlier that day and walked around two platforms.

Earlier he had asked his neighbours to look after the family dog while he dealt with some “family issues”.

In a statement to the coroner, Mr Fricker’s partner said that the pair had met 15 years ago and had moved to Newbury in 2019.

Mr Fricker was described as a private and shy man and had appeared to be his usual self before the tragedy.

Assistant Berkshire Coroner Justine Spencer concluded that
Mr Fricker conducted a “timed jump”.

She added there was no indication of him exhibiting any thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation.

Ms Spencer went on: “He was clearly an accomplished gentleman who ran a successful business.

“He had suffered with anxiety and received support from the crisis team in 2023 and talking therapies in 2015.”

She concluded: “I am satisfied he intended to end his own life.”

n Anyone seeking support can contact the Mental Health Crisis Team – call if you need urgent
help, but it’s not an emergency 0300 365 0300 or 0300 365 9999 or the Samaritans: www.samaritans.org – call 116 123 – email jo@samaritans.org