Anti-gay bullying campaigner Roger Crouch was found hanged, inquest hears
An inquest into the death of Roger Crouch, the anti-gay bullying campaigner who was honoured for his work protecting teenagers from homophobic bullying after his son committed suicide last year, has heard he was found hanged.
Mr Crouch, who was 55, had been discovered by his wife, Paola, at their Gloucestershire home last week.
Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court was adjourned after the cause of death was confirmed by post-mortem examination.
He was confirmed to have died at the scene on 28 November.
Mr Crouch’s anti-bullying work began after his son, Dominic, committed suicide by jumping from a building, leaving a note explaining that he had been the victim of homophobic bullying at his school following a game in which he accepted a dare to kiss another boy.
He was named Stonewall’s Hero of the Year at a ceremony in London this month.
His wife, Paola Crouch posted on the Facebook page for the Friends of Dominic Crouch in the early hours of this morning: “I have the saddest news to give you. The love of my life and Giulia and Domi’s beloved Dad, died tonight.
“The changes you have started, for young people everywhere, the work you have done against bullying will remain as a towering monument to you. Our hearts break Roger, Domi, Giulia and I loved you so much.”
At the time of Mr Crouch’s death, Joanne Dunning of the Lesbian and Gay Foundation, with whom he worked, said: “It seemed like he was only just getting the recognition he deserved for his anti-bullying work, this month he was named Stonewall Hero of the Year, and had been promoting the work of Diversity Role Models at The House of Commons in his role as patron of the new charity.
“The thoughts of everyone at The LGF are with Roger’s wife Paola and his daughter Guilia and all their family.”