‘Action man’, 20, who died after he was found hanging in nightclub toilet was anxious about leaving home to join the Royal Marines, inquest hears
- Brandon Knight, 20, was found dead in a Maidstone nightclub toilet in January
- The mixed martial artist was anxious about joining the Marines, inquest hears
- The court was told that Brandon had history of low moods, anger and anxiety
- Brandon’s mother Lynne paid tribute to her ‘action man’ son at the inquest
- For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See www.samaritans.org for details
Described as an ‘action man’ the kick boxer had a history of low moods, anxiety and anger
A young man found dead in a busy nightclub’s toilet was anxious about leaving home to join the Royal Marines, an inquest has heard.
Brandon Knight, 20, was discovered in a cubicle at the Source Bar in Maidstone, Kent while on a night out with friends in January this year. The mixed martial artist from Newington was resuscitated and taken to hospital.
Brandon, a kick boxer described as an ‘action man’, was treated by doctors at Maidstone Hospital but died after suffering brain damage as his condition deteriorated the next day.
Brandon’s mother, Lynne Knight, said her son was ‘loved by so many’ and described his death as a ‘tragedy’. She said Brandon had been preparing for a training week with the Marines in February which he was ‘excited’ about.
However, the inquest also heard that the 20-year-old was anxious about the prospect of joining, something he had expressed to others.
Evidence was presented regarding Brandon’s history of low moods, anger and anxiety after the separation of his parents in 2012.
‘He said he wanted a career where he could make a difference to people,’ Ms Knight said. ‘He was a real action man and was always clowning around with a big smile on his face.’
Coroner Scott Matthewson said CCTV footage showed Brandon entering a cubicle by himself at 12.49am. Brandon’s movement can be seen via shadows on the footage for the next five minutes.
An inquest has heard that Brandon Knight, a 20-year-old who was found dead in a Maidstone nightclub toilet, was anxious about joining the Royal Marines
Staff from the nightclub had entered the toilets twice in the following 40 minutes but suspicions were raised on the third visit after staff could not open the door of the cubicle.
The court heard that on the night in question, Brandon was upset, fearing that his girlfriend was going to split up with him. A friend tried to ease his concerns for around 10 minutes.
Brandon had a history of threatening to kill himself, and had mentioned doing so to a friend that night.
Mr Matthewson added: ‘Nobody could have predicted at that time he was serious in taking his own life. He had difficulties when it came to trust and relationships.
‘For reasons we will probably not get to the bottom of there came a point Brandon went to the toilets. He had a lot to live for – a career, a loving family and girlfriend – if only he could see that.’
Mr Matthewson recorded a conclusion of misadventure, saying that Brandon had made ‘no serious attempts’ to take his own life, nor had he left a note.
‘Nobody could have predicted at that time he was serious in taking his own life,’ Mr Matthewson said.
The inquest also heard that Brandon had saved the lives of four people after his organs were donated following his death.
Brandon’s mother Lynne (right) paid tribute to her son, saying he was ‘loved by so many’
Brandon was found dead in January after going on a night out with friends in Kent
‘He’s saved four lives from the organ donation including a young girl who has his heart,’ Ms Knight added.
Brandon’s mother described her son as ‘impulsive’ but contended that he wished to be found given the public location of his death.
His friends had hoped to put on a fundraising music festival this summer, although the coronavirus pandemic has put a halt to those plans.
For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See www.samaritans.org for details.