The tragic death of 33-year-old father-of-three Nicki Hart, who took his own life at an Army base, could have been prevented according to his family. Hart, who was serving with the 4th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire, was found dead in February 2022. Originally from Rhondda Valley, South Wales, he had a history of mental health issues and struggled with alcohol use, causing concern for his family.
During a two-week inquest in Northallerton, Assistant Coroner Jonathan Leach highlighted missed opportunities to support Highlander Hart, including past suicide attempts not being immediately evident in his medical records. Despite these oversights, the coroner ruled his death as suicide, stating that the missed opportunities did not directly lead to his passing. Hart’s widow, Sara, expressed how traumatic it was to learn of his death and how she continues to struggle with his absence, stating that he had so much to live for and his death could potentially have been avoided with earlier intervention.
Hart’s sister, Jamie Hart-Dobbs, fondly remembered him as the best brother and shared the profound impact his loss had on her. She emphasised the importance of ensuring soldiers receive the necessary help and support, hoping it would honour Nicki’s memory. The inquest revealed that Hart had turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism following the death of a friend at the garrison months prior. Former soldier David Twiname witnessed Hart’s mental health decline and deliberated on diagrams indicating Hart’s suicidal thoughts and the obstacles, which included his friends, in his way.
A service inquiry report acknowledged “missed opportunities” in Hart’s care leading up to his death, particularly in light of his struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder after a tour of Afghanistan in 2012. Despite being referred to mental health specialists and attending appointments, Hart’s downward spiral persisted, culminating in his tragic passing. The family’s lawyers from Irwin Mitchell echoed their belief that earlier treatment and intervention could have altered the outcome, underlining the need for improved support for soldiers facing similar challenges.
The emotional toll of Hart’s death continues to resonate within his family, with both his widow and sister grappling with the reality of his absence. Their poignant recollections shed light on the profound impact of mental health struggles and the importance of early intervention and support systems for individuals in crisis. As the inquest findings prompt reflections on the care Hart received, his family’s advocacy for improved mental health resources for soldiers stands as a poignant reminder of the need for enhanced support within military institutions to prevent future tragedies like Hart’s from occurring.