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Inquest held after webcam death Inquest held after webcam death
(about 4 hours later)
An inquest into the apparent suicide of a man who broadcast it live on a webcam is expected to open later. A coroner has urged internet users not to circulate what he called "abhorrent images" of a man committing suicide.
Kevin Whitrick, 42, of Telford, Shropshire, died from hanging last Wednesday, West Mercia police said. Telford Coroner Michael Gwynne was speaking at the opening of the inquest into the death of Kevin Whitrick, 42, of Wellington, who was found hanged.
Police have criticised people who have been circulating images of the incident over the internet. Det Ch Insp Jon Graves from West Mercia police said the tragedy was believed to be the first internet suicide.
They said they have had a good response from people who were in the chatroom at the time. A user contacted police saying a man had "self-harmed". The cause of death was recorded as hanging and the hearing on Friday was adjourned for 10 weeks.
Support facilities Father-of-two Mr Whitrick was found hanging at his home after taking part in a "friendly insult" chatroom last week.
West Mercia Constabulary said attempts were made to resuscitate the father-of-two, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. His death was broadcast live on the web and police were alerted by another online user who reported Mr Whitrick had self harmed.
His ex-wife said he had been in a serious car crash in July 2006 and had never fully recovered. Police inquiries into the incident are continuing.
Police are working to ensure that witness support facilities are available to those who may have been affected by what they saw.
Between 60 and 100 chatroom users were on line at the time.