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A Welsh Labour politician hailed as a ‘powerful voice’ by Keir Starmer killed himself by hanging the day before his birthday, a coroner has ruled.
Hefin David, 47, who had served as member of the Welsh Parliament for Caerphilly since 2016, was found dead at his home on August 12 last year.
After an inquest, senior coroner Caroline Saunders concluded Mr David’s death was a suicide.
She said Mr David ‘took his own life by hanging’ at his home address.
His medical causes of death have been recorded as asphyxia and hanging.
An inquest opening at Gwent Coroner’s Court previously heard Mr David was identified at the scene by his sister.
He was due to turn 48 the next day.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute to Mr David after his death, describing him as a ‘powerful voice for the people of Wales’.
Hefin David, 47, who had served as member of the Welsh Parliament for Caerphilly since 2016 was found dead at his home on August 12 last year
Hefin David, 47, had served as the Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly since 2016 (He is pictured with his partner Vikki Howells)
He said: ‘The whole Labour movement will join me in grieving the loss of Hefin David.
‘He was a powerful voice for the people of Wales and a committed public servant who dedicated his life to making sure every person and community in Wales had the opportunities and support they deserve.
‘As a member of the Senedd for Caerphilly, where he was born and lived, he was incredibly proud of his community.
‘Our hearts are with his family and those who knew and loved him at this painful time. May he rest in peace.’
Speaking in the Senedd following Mr David’s death, Welsh First Minister Baroness Eluned Morgan described him as a ‘truly remarkable human being’.
She said Mr David had a ‘heart that loved fiercely’ and expressed sympathy for his partner Vikki Howells, the Cynon Valley MS and minister for further and higher education in the Welsh Government.
The First Minister said: ‘We are extremely saddened by the sudden death of Hefin. Our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time.
‘Hefin was a much-loved member of the Labour family. He served Caerphilly as a councillor and a Member of the Senedd with pride and passion.
In a statement, Mr David’s family said: ‘Hefin was a devoted father who was adored by his daughters Caitlin and Holly, a much loved son to Wynne and Christine, a beloved brother to Sian, a brilliant uncle to Osian and Catrin, and a soulmate to his cherished partner Vikki.’
‘He was an outstanding politician, warm and enthusiastic and a great communicator – especially on behalf of his constituents.
‘He will be greatly missed.’
In a statement, Mr David’s family said: ‘It is clear from the very many messages we have received that Hefin was widely respected and held in genuine affection by the community he represented, and by those he worked with during his many years of public service.
‘But more than this, Hefin was a devoted father who was adored by his daughters Caitlin and Holly, a much loved son to Wynne and Christine, a beloved brother to Sian, a brilliant uncle to Osian and Catrin, and a soulmate to his cherished partner Vikki.
‘We are very grateful to all those who have reached out to us since Hefin’s passing, and ask now for privacy to grieve.’
For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
