John Farrell, ex-principal at Bishop Walsh Catholic School (Sutton Coldfield), was found by a close friend in a bedroom on August 16.
A former headteacher who was regarded as inspiring, died after taking prescriptions and struggling to control his diabetes. An inquest heard.
John Farrell was the ex-principal at Bishop Walsh Catholic School, Sutton Coldfield. He was found by a close friend in a bedroom on August 16.
Birmingham Coroner’s Court found that the methamphetamines and ketamine he took a few days before caused a knock-on effect on his diabetes, which ultimately led to his suicide.
Ian Dreelan, assistant coroner, said that Mr Farrell was known for not managing his severe condition well and using drugs inappropriately.
After his right leg was amputated in diabetes due to diabetes, it became more difficult for him to manage his diabetes. This was just months before his death. The Birmingham Inquest was held on Monday.
The Medics also suggested that he had used drugs and suffered from depression in the aftermath of his life-changing surgery.
The coroner referred to a prior incident and said that ‘he had clearly mismanaged insulin levels, which led him into another incident. But fortunately, he survived that one.
He was having trouble finding the right balance. Although he was quite adept at it, it became more challenging. That was all changed by the accident.
“On August 16, he was discovered dead on his bedroom floor by a close friend.”
Post mortem results revealed that he had ‘used drugs soon before his death’ which led to complications in his diabetes.
The cause of his death was hypoglycaemia due to diabetes, ketamine, and methamphetamine abuse.
Farrell, who had served as headteacher at Bishop Walsh School for 10 years, was previously assistant at St Edmund Campion Catholic School in Erdington.
Both schools make up the St John Paul II Multi Academy. Mr Farrell, who was principal of Bishop Walsh, served as a Catholic Senior Executive Lead.
Birmingham Coroner’s Court found that the methamphetamines and ketamine he took a few days before caused a knock-on effect on his diabetes, which ultimately led to his suicide. Photo: The school
He was originally from Sunderland, but he moved to Birmingham University to complete his history degree.
After completing his Post Graduate Certificate of Education in History, Geography, and PE, he became a teacher.
Bishop Walsh Catholic Schools previously paid tributes to their former principal.
According to a statement, “Mr Farrell has made an enormous contribution to the lives of thousands over a distinguished career.” His family asks for privacy.
Former Bishop Walsh pupil Paul Fleming said: ‘Mr Farrell was an inspirational teacher, radical Catholic & unashamed socialist.
“His humanity and heartfelt generosity set him apart. As many of the teachers I had at Bishop Walsh, I owe him so very much.
Michael Baker said, “Heartbreaking.” A wonderful teacher, teacher and headteacher who encouraged me to be a teacher. He will be missed.