Tragic mystery of the estate agent who was "a perfect gentleman"

A coroner says there is no explanation how an estate agent suffered a cut to his wrist, which led to his death.

Roger Cahalin, 68, worked for Hunters in Barrow and was described by a neighbour as a “perfect gentleman.”

Local manager Graeme MacLeod told the coroner’s court: "When I was on holiday leave I got a call saying he had not attended a house viewing. I drove to his address and his car was parked outside and the curtains were drawn and there was no answer at the door. When I came back later on there was still no answer and the curtains were still drawn."

Cahalin was found dead at his home at Birch Close in Barrow on July 23 after his employer called the police.

Media reports the deceased had a cut on his left wrist which he had bandaged when he was found by police.

A statement from his GP described how he had been treated for blood clots but there were no concerns regarding his mental health.

The cause of death was given as left wrist laceration with a contributing factor being acute alcohol intoxication and coronary artery atheroma (heart disease).

Assistant coroner Craig Smith said: "The challenge of this inquest is to understand how the injury occurred … whether it was deliberate or accidental."

Having insufficient evidence to prove this was a deliberate act, the assistant coroner declared a so-called narrative verdict. 

"He was found deceased at his home address. He died as a result of blood loss from a cut. An explanation or reason for the cut could not be detained by the evidence."

You can see a local press report here.