Iraq War veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder killed himself after suffering flashbacks of watching a friend die in his arms

AN IRAQ War veteran killed himself after being plagued by flashbacks of the moment he watched a friend die in his arms, an inquest heard.

Tragic Dylan Jones, 37, had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and felt he "could no longer cope” in the time leading up to his death.

The father-of-two was tragically found dead at the wheel of his car in July last year just a month before he was due to get married.

A post-mortem revealed he died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

The inquest was told the tragic ex-soldier, who also served in Afghanistan, suffered flashbacks and nightmares after witnessing a colleague die in his arms and a comrade lose their legs.

Now his heartbroken family are calling for more help to be offered to servicemen and women.

Swansea Coroner's Court heard Jones, of Llansawel, Carmarthenshire, left notes to his family and friends in the car - which was parked on a hillside with the engine still running.

Two passers-by smashed open the window and tried to resuscitate him, but he was pronounced dead at Morriston Hospital in Swansea.

Assistant coroner Aled Gruffydd recorded a conclusion of suicide.

Jones, who first joined the army at 16, left to become a lorry driver, before signing up again in 2004.

PC Stuart Evans investigated his death and prepared a report for the coroner which was read aloud.

PC Evans said, when Jones left the army in 2012, his family began to notice "a change in his mood" and a "distant look in his eyes."

"He would sometimes scream and shout in his sleep," he said.

Jones was diagnosed with PTSD in March 2015 before being placed on a five-month waiting list for treatment.

His ex-partner Shan Thomas, said in a statement he appeared to be getting better after being prescribed anti-depressants and being referred to a specialist service for veterans.

Shan, 44, said: "He said he felt the happiest he had ever been.

"I thought he was getting better because he started to open up to me about stories from out there. I thought he was coping with it."

But the inquest was told his mental health deteriorated when the relationship ended.

Mr Gruffydd said: "It is tragic that another serviceman has chosen to end his life after witnessing the horrors of war."

Speaking after the inquest, Mr Jones' sister Amanda said she believed servicemen and women should be offered more help.

She added: "They've risked their own lives for the country, they should be given help immediately and before they leave the army - not left in the community to fend for themselves."

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