Wife of Scots soldier found dead at Army base say death ‘could have been prevented’

The death of a Scots soldier at an Army base, which has been ruled a suicide, has sparked conversations about missed opportunities in providing support. Nicholas “Nicki” Hart, a 33-year-old Iraq and Afghanistan War veteran serving with the fourth battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, was found dead at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, in February 2022. Hart, who had a history of mental health issues and concerns about alcohol use, was discovered in his room.

During a two-week inquest in Northallerton, assistant coroner Jonathan Leach acknowledged missed opportunities to support Hart, including past suicide attempts not being immediately apparent in his medical records. However, the coroner stated that these missed opportunities did not directly lead to Hart’s death, and a conclusion of suicide was recorded. Following the inquest, Hart’s widow, Sara, expressed deep emotional pain at the loss of her husband and highlighted the family’s belief that earlier treatment and intervention could have averted the tragedy.

Hart’s sister, Jamie Hart-Dobbs, described her brother as the best sibling and emphasized the ongoing struggle with his loss. She expressed hope that improvements will be made to ensure soldiers receive the necessary help and support. The inquest revealed that Hart had turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism following the death of a friend at the garrison. Reports indicated that he had developed post-traumatic stress disorder after his tour in Afghanistan in 2012 and had attempted suicide prior to his death in 2022.

The inquest also disclosed that Hart had reached out to mental health specialists and attended an appointment just days before his passing. Despite these efforts, the family believes that more proactive measures could have altered the tragic outcome. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of timely and comprehensive mental health support for military personnel.

In the aftermath of Hart’s death, his family is advocating for improved mental health initiatives within the armed forces to prevent similar incidents in the future. The soldier’s passing underscores the deep impact of mental health challenges and highlights the need for enhanced support systems for those in the military community. Efforts to address mental health issues among service members are crucial in safeguarding their well-being and preventing further heartache for families like Hart’s.