A CORONER has ruled former Launceston alderman Jeremy Ball took his own life and was likely suffering from an undiagnosed mental illness.
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Mr Ball was killed in a car crash on the Bass Highway north-west of Launceston on September 15, 2014.
A coronial inquest in March heard evidence from Mr Ball’s family, colleagues, a truck driver involved in his crash, a doctor and police.
In his findings – released on Thursday – Coroner Simon Cooper said: “I am satisfied that Mr Ball was suffering from an untreated mental illness which either caused, or at least contributed to, the decision he took.
“The objective evidence as to the circumstances surrounding the crash suggests very strongly a deliberate act on Mr Ball’s part. Considered together the evidence allows of only one conclusion.”
Mr Cooper said Mr Ball had received two referrals to a psychologist but kept neither of them.
Mr Cooper urged others to seek urgent help if they needed it.
“Perhaps if he had (have seen a psychologist) then he may have been diverted from the path he took.
“I urge anyone in need of help or support to seek assistance and follow through with treatment or referrals.
“I comment that suicide, especially amongst males of Mr Ball’s age group, is a major public health issue in this country.
“In common with so many men aged between 45 and 65 who choose to end their own lives, Mr Ball had love and support and ostensibly much to live for.
“Many areas of support are available, whether from health care professionals or the myriad of organisations of which Lifeline and Beyondblue are perhaps the most prominent.”
Those close to Mr Ball told the inquest the former actor and Launceston personality was not himself in the week leading up to his death.
Mr Ball’s brother Julian Northmore said an illness had ‘‘smashed’’ his brother and had drastically changed his state of mind.
The inquest heard Mr Ball was struggling with stress due to marital issues and his upcoming re-election bid.
But Dr Philip Cassidy, who treated Mr Ball for the illness a week before the crash, said the alderman seemed ‘‘by no means depressed’’ and showed ‘‘no self-harming risk’’.
He also noted that Mr Ball was ‘‘on the mend’’ from a flu-like illness and that Mr Ball could only describe his state of mind to him at the time as ‘‘zingy’’.
Mr Ball’s widow Karina Stojansek and Mr Northmore all alluded to the fact that the 46-year-old was struggling with a “character-altering” virus.
If you need help, phone Lifeline on 13 11 44 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.