Warning issued to former soldiers after death of Iraq War veteran with PTSD
A senior corner has warned that a whole community of former soldiers is at risk after an Iraq War veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder died from an accidental overdose.
Aeran Taylor, 38, "rapidly fell into drug addiction" after being thrown out of the Army for substance misuse in December 2006 following a six-month tour to Iraq.
Despite working with a veterans' mental health charity, the former Royal Regiment of Fusiliers soldier had not fully recovered from PTSD and relapsed into addiction.
Mr Taylor was found dead at his home in Crawley, West Sussex, in October 2023.
The coroner said there appeared to have been no clinical assessment of his mental health when he was discharged from the Army.
The charity Mr Taylor worked with said it was "gravely concerned" by the coroner's findings, and called on the Army to treat each failed drug test on a case-by-case basis.
Outlining his concerns in a prevention of future deaths report, Joseph Turner, area coroner for West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, said there was evidence of a lack of awareness of regimental welfare staff.
"Those now serving may be more aware but there appears to be a community of veterans at risk who may remain unaware," the coroner said.
"There appears to remain a lack of readily available, fully funded, long-term rehabilitation and substance abuse recovery for veterans with PTSD, notably for those only diagnosed well after leaving the Armed Forces.
"In my opinion, there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken," the coroner added.
Mr Taylor had received compensation from the Ministry of Defence, and had been engaging with his GP as well as a veteran's mental health charity called Combat Stress.
In a video he filmed with the charity in 2019, he said: "When I first left the military I was really quite lost.
"I managed to hold down a job but even that got too stressful for me. I was depressed, I just locked myself away completely.
"I wouldn't leave my flat for about six months, I wouldn't answer the door, I was scared if my phone rang."
Chloe Mackay, chief executive of Combat Stress, said: "We were deeply saddened at the passing of Aeran Taylor and our thoughts remain with his family and friends.
"Sadly we know from some of the veterans we treat that during their military career, they turned to illegal substances while battling with their trauma.
"What they needed was compassion and help in accessing mental health treatment."
She went on: "We ask that the military treats each failed drug test on a case-by-case basis, providing mental health support to those service personnel in need.
"In addition, we are gravely concerned by the coroner's findings that there is a community of veterans at risk who remain unaware of the support available to them.
"We urge every veteran struggling with their mental health to call our 24-hour helpline on 0800 138 1619 for confidential support.
She added: "Aeran will always be remembered with the greatest respect by all at Combat Stress."
In a tribute to Mr Taylor posted online, friend Daniel Cooper described him as a "brave veteran who fought not only on the battlefield but also against the relentless demons of mental health".
"Despite the unwavering love and support of his family and friends, Aeran tragically felt that his only escape was to stop fighting.
"His struggle has touched us deeply."
A copy of the coroner's report was sent to the former soldier's mother and sister, as well as the chief executive of Combat Stress.
If you or someone you know needs support at this time, find help available on our website.
If you or someone you know needs support at this time, find help available on our website.
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