Vet, 35, took own life after distress of ‘rich’ clients leaving it too late to save pets & relationship ‘double life’

A VET took his own life after being distressed by "rich" owners asking him to put their pets down rather than pay for treatment.

Dr John Ellis, 35, was upset that people with "brand new" cars parked outside his surgery wouldn't fork out to help their pets.

His mother Tina Ellis told an inquest into the Hampshire vet's death that he found this "destroying".

In contrast, John told Tina that clients who couldn't afford treatment often brought their pets in too late for anything to be done.

Winchester Coroner's Court heard John was experiencing considerable stress at the time of his death in November 2022.

Tina told the inquest that her son said: "Owners are leaving it too late to come in.

"They weren’t seeking help early enough for things that could have been quite simple."

He told her: "I've got somebody saying they won’t pay to help their animal and they’re sitting there with a brand new car outside.

"Other people who were really struggling would do anything to save their animals.

Tina added: "But there was nothing they could do because it was already too late. He was finding that destroying."

The inquest heard John had been having relationship troubles due to being unfaithful with his partner.

Before his death he told his mother he had been having sleeping problems and was under financial pressure.

He would sleep in his car sometimes when he was on call rather than go home and have to drive to the vets in an emergency, Tina said.

She said: "All of those things completely built up and he was finding it difficult."

The inquest heard that John had been leading a "double life" - as he had been secretly cheating on his long-term partner.

On November 6, 2022 John was found by police in the house of a friend who was in holiday in Tenerife at the time.

He was taken to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester but was pronounced dead in the early hours of November 7.

Recording a verdict of suicide, assistant coroner for Hampshire Simon Burge said John's death was "a huge waste of a talented life".

He added: "It’s a matter of great regret to the family and all his friends that he should have rashly, unnecessarily made the decision that he did.

"He did it in the context of relationship issues in more than one relationship.

"This was coupled with the considerable stress involved at the residency, from the financial pressures that caused."

John's family shared a tribute to him through the suicide charity Amparo.

They said: "Those who knew John will remember him not only for his professional expertise but also for his warmth, generosity, and genuine love for animals.

"He poured his heart into his work, and his absence leaves a deep void in the lives of all who had the privilege of working with him and knowing him personally.

"As a family, we are devastated by the loss of John, and we continue to grapple with the heartbreak and shock that come with the death of someone so young and full of potential.

"We want to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who may be struggling with mental health challenges to seek support and not suffer in silence.

"No one should feel that they are alone, and we urge everyone to reach out for help if they are in need."

If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.