BBC News article, 5 September 2017: Dr Martin Rhisiart ‘killed himself after ME diagnosis’
A university professor who acted as an economics adviser for the UK government killed himself after being diagnosed with ME, an inquest in Cardiff has heard. Dr Martin Rhisiart, 43, a professor of strategy and innovation at the University of South Wales, was found dead at his home in June. The well-known TV and radio pundit also had anxiety and
depression. The inquest heard he received the ME diagnosis weeks before his death. ME, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, is a long-term neurological condition that causes persistent fatigue.
In a written statement, his wife Elena Rhisiart, 44, said: ‘In the last few weeks of his life he suffered exhaustion. ‘Martin’s behaviour changed and he was having feelings of hopelessness. He didn’t sleep for two weeks.’
Coroner Philip Spinney said: ‘He worked long hours and suffered anxiety. We heard a few weeks prior to his death he had been diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis.’ He recorded a conclusion of suicide.
Throughout his career, Dr Rhisiart worked on a ground-breaking piece of research for the UK Commission for Employment. He was also a member of the Welsh Government’s Innovation Advisory Council for Wales.
Mail online, 6 Sep 2017: Father-of-three economics professor, 43, who advised government hanged himself after being diagnosed with ME
- Dr Martin Rhisiart exhausted by the illness and had not slept for two weeks
- Dr Rhisiart had been suffered anxiety and depression, an inquest had heard
- Professor was found hanged in the garage of his family home in Cardiff, Wales
