DOCTOR’S SUICIDE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 290, 6 December 1929, Page 10

DOCTOR’S SUICIDE

WORRIED BY FALSE TEETH. A verdict of suicide while of unsound mind was returned at the inquest lately at Brighton on Dr. John Westray Cropper, chief assistant pathologist at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, who died from prussic acid poisoning. The evidence showed that Dr. Cropper had been worrying about his artificial teeth. The widow stated that her husband was 48 years of age, and had attended the hospital daily. He had always had good health. The coroner read three letters. The first one, addressed to the widow, was as follows: My darling wife. —Do please try and forgiv e me. It is small reward for me to give you for all your love and care for me. I am going to end all my worries. This last turn with my mouth has completely destroyed my nervous system, and it is utterly impossible for me to carry on any longer. God bless and protect you my darling. I am brokenhearted, and when I left you this morning it was heartrending for me. I cannot help it, and I cannot face a life of continued misery. Give all your live to your dear boys. —Your broken-heart-ed husband. Again forgive me. I cannot help it. Another letter addressed to the sons, read:— I canot say anything. Love and comfort your mother, who is everything to you. I have always regretted that I have done so little for you both. —Your broken-hearted father. The third letter wa s to the superintendent of th e hospital respecting salary. *