The family of Dave Courtney have released a ‘suicide note’ video that he filmed back in July, just days after the ex-gangster took his own life.
Dave, 64, died by suicide on October 23 following a secret battle with prostate cancer and the debilitating side effects of arthritis.
Now his family have discovered a video that he filmed back in the summer, as he planned to take his own life.
Family of Dave Courtney release ‘suicide note’ video
In an Instagram post, his family revealed that Dave had filmed a ‘suicide note’ video while he planned and prepared for his own death.
It was captioned: “Following examination of Dave’s personal effects by Mr Brendan McGirr, a video has been found that was filmed on July 5th 2023 in his Camelot Castle home in Plumstead. The video clearly shows Dave had not taken the decision to take his own life lightly.
“He had gone into thorough planning and preparation to ensure as little pain as possible for his loved ones in the aftermath of his death.”
At the start of the self-recorded three minute and 33 second clip, he rubs his nose and says: “As you can all see I am of sound mind and body. Sorry, I took the coward’s way out. Don’t go racking your brains and thinking why I would do this…I’ll tell you why.
“No woman trouble or anything like that. I am hurting. And disguising a lot of pain. I can’t get up and down the stairs and in and out of the car. I am not enjoying it [life] at the moment. That is really it and I don’t want to waste a wicked life that I have had. It has been superb. Any day I can think back on, it was funny and brilliant.”
He said he did not want to waste the “wicked life he had” by spending the rest of it in pain. He added: “I am not enjoying it and I do what I want. That really is why I am not here today. Don’t be sad. Please don’t be sad.”
The video ends with Dave offering a smile and a shrug of the shoulders before he says: “Um… well… That’s it really.”
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His followers react
Meanwhile, Dave’s followers expressed their sadness, with some calling for a change in the assisted suicide laws.
One follower wrote: “This is absolutely the reason why assisted suicide should be allowed! Animals are put to sleep when they are in pain why can’t humans have the same choice? RIP Dave, you are no longer in pain.”
A second added: “At least he left an explanation. It must have been a super tough decision. RIP Dave.”
“Nobody nobody should have to do this David, I just hope this sends a message that it’s good to talk, rip David, this is just heartbreaking,” a third chipped in.
“People say it’s the coward’s way out but I think to have lived the life he lived and not wanting to die a sick old man it’s took a lot of balls to do what he did. Some will disagree – but I just understand he must have wanted to go out on his own terms. RIP Dave,” said a fourth follower.
Read more: Friend who found Dave Courtney’s body reveals ex-gangster’s final words before his death
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