Lancashire coroner rules on death of 'much loved' Chorley businessman, 23

Joshua Hall, 23, was found dead in his bedroom at the home he shared with his grandmother in Arley Wood Drive, Chorley.

Preston Coroner's Court was told that he had left an "apologetic" note, but no clear motive for his actions had emerged.

Assistant coroner Sian Jones recorded a suicide conclusion.

Mr Hall's family described him in a statement as a quiet man with a good circle of friends.

He suffered from anxiety and had struggled with his mental health in the past. He had also been diagnosed as autistic.

The coroner was told there had been incidents in the past when he talked about suicide, but he had since started his own business and was looking forward to the future.

The inquest heard that Mr Hall had been out drinking with a friend in Chorley on December 7, 2025. He returned home at around 1am on December 8 and in the morning he was found passed away by his grandmother, with whom he lived.

Det Insp Oliver Hodgkinson said he attended the scene. He told the coroner there were no signs of violence and no suspicious circumstances.

Det Insp Hodgkinson said it appeared that Mr Hall had been playing an online computer game but there were no indications he had been talking to anyone else.

Toxicology showed he had drunk a moderate amount of alcohol and had taken no drugs.

A post mortem examination found the cause of death was hanging.

Coroner Ms Jones said Mr Hall had started off a successful business and there were no specific concerns that the family were aware of. He was clearly a "much loved" young man.

She said she suspected Mr Hall had acted "impulsively" and he did intend to take his own life.

She told relatives: "I know it's really hard when you can't understand why."

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