Coq d'Argent: Man wrote 'I have cracked' on phone before becoming sixth person to fall to death from London roof garden
Coq d'Argent, which is popular with City workers, has seen several suicides from its roof garden in recent years
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 29-year-old man typed "I have cracked" on his mobile phone before falling 80ft to his death from a roof garden at the Coq d'Argent restaurant in the City of London.
Michael Halligan, 29, is the sixth person to fall from the balcony on the seventh floor since 2007.
The Irishman, who worked for Vodaphone, left draft messages on his phone in French and English, the Mirror reports.
One read: "I'm bored of life and even the future possibilities disinterest me, nobody's fault, nothing could be done to change it."
Another said: "I no longer try to adapt myself to others. I'm not made for this world.
"I have cracked."
Recording a verdict of suicide, Coroner Dr Roy Palmer said: "I think if you jump off a roof in that way having left those messages I don't think there can be any doubt about it."
Coq d'Argent, which is popular with City workers, has seen several suicides from its roof garden in recent years. In 2013 six-foot high barriers were erected and security guards employed and told to question anybody seen alone on the terrace.
Despite these measures 39-year-old restaurant critic Wilkes McDermid – who had a history of depression - killed himself by jumping from the terrace in February 2015.
Quoting the writer Samuel Johnson, he wrote: “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford... Johnson was right, I am not tired of London and never have been… however I am tired of life.”
Coq d'Argent was cleared of any blame over Mr McDermid’s death with coroner Dr Roy Palmer saying it had done all it could to make it “difficult, if not impossible, for people to leave the premises other than by the lift or the stairs".
For confidential support on mental health call the Samaritans on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or attend a local Samaritans branch.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments