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A27 death leap man was crippled by debt
5:18pm Wednesday 16th January 2008
Comments (26)A popular young man who leapt to his death from a 100ft high bridge was mired in debt, it has emerged.
Robert Howard, 29, from Bedford Row, Worthing, was under mounting financial pressure in the weeks leading to his death, his family said.
But crucially he kept the problems to himself.
On Saturday, Mr Howard, who was known to pals as "Herman", jumped off the footbridge just east of the A27 Shoreham flyover, landing on the busy dual carriageway below.
Mr Howard's father, John, said he had not told anyone about his money fears.
"Since his death we have found out that he had financial worries that he had not told anyone, including us, about ," he said.
Last night Mr Howard said he was not prepared to discuss the extent of his son's debt.
Pals have said they are dismayed that the motor technician, who worked for Frosts Jaguar, felt he could not speak to anyone about his personal problems.
They have expressed their shock that an outwardly happy man, could have been driven to suicide.
Mr Herman, who lived in Shoreham for most of his life, had just started to learn to fly and was doing well at work.
Anna James, from Shoreham, said: "I am so sad that you couldn't talk to one of the many friends that cared about you so much.
"Rest in peace Herm and my thoughts are with the family and close friends who will miss you so much."
Other tributes have flooded in from friends and family in Sussex and around the world since The Argus broke the story on Saturday.
One, from Sydney, Australia, wrote: "I distinctly remember Herman's cheeky smile and he was a really great guy and loved a laugh in school and out."
A spokesman for the Citizens Advice Bureau in Sussex said: "Everybody acknowledges this is likely to be a tough year financially, for all sorts of reasons.
"There is a direct correlation between financial harsdship and suicide. But the point must be stressed that there is so much help out there."
Financial experts, including Worthing based insolvency experts Nancollas Greer, have warned that money could become increasingly tight during 2008 with continued fears over a "credit crunch" and high interest rates causing problems for many.
Politicians have also warned that repossession rates across Sussex could soar as homeowners struggle to meet mortgage repayments.
Worthing borough councillor Alan Rice warned: "Many more people will be seeking housing and debt advice this year."
An inquest into Mr Howard's death has been opened and adjourned.
His family have confirmed that his funeral will take place at Worthing Crematorium later this month.
Comment and Analysis: Thousands go into debt every day
Your Say YourThe Argus
Hove Park Resident, Hove Park says...
7:59pm Wed 16 Jan 08
Dave you are a prize plonker.
bob, lewes says...
9:56pm Wed 16 Jan 08
With the utmost respect I am relieved that no one else had to suffer as well. Lots of people drive under that bridge and imagine if someone elses loved one became involved, none us us would want that but it goes to show another side of what happens or could happen when someone takes their life in this way.
Concerned father, Brighton says...
10:58pm Wed 16 Jan 08
You would not lend to somebody who probably couldn't pay back so why do the financial institutions? We are now trying to cope with his debts because he can't cope.
Perversly, i'm in the collection business & come across many sad stories. Often it's people who have tries to live the high life on loans or credit.
Rhinofish, Hove says...
11:49pm Wed 16 Jan 08
Yes that's true. Likely to be even tougher for anyone who thinks they can turn to CAB for help. Anyone tried to get an appointment recently. "All our advisers are busy, please try again later" And if you can get an appointment they don't seem to be able to help at all except to give out a few leaflets. What a waste of time.
Dave, Brighton says...
3:01am Thu 17 Jan 08
mick, brighton says...
7:09am Thu 17 Jan 08
Gary, Hove says...
7:21am Thu 17 Jan 08
Andy R, Hove says...
9:45am Thu 17 Jan 08
Hove Park Resident wrote:Ooooh...I think that last word ought to be reserved for yourself HPR. Tell me, just what IS the point of administering a telling-off for selfishness to someone who's dead?
Dave says he did not want to burden anyone else. Try telling that to all the poor sods who saw him jump. Try telling that to the emergency services who had to deal with him. Try telling that to the nurses and doctors who tried to save his life. Try telling his family who have been left behind to deal with everything. Dave you are a prize plonker.
Dave's thoughtful comment deserved better than this crass response.
grumpy, hove says...
10:33am Thu 17 Jan 08
bob, worthing says...
10:54am Thu 17 Jan 08
anon, shoreham says...
12:06pm Thu 17 Jan 08
Noone is in a position to judge as despite what is reported we do not know all the facts.
Lets just spare a thought for the people who loved him, Herm was a good bloke & no matter what the reason for his suicide we should remember the good & drop the petty comments.
This time is made even harder by seeing headline after headline rewriting the story of our friends demise.
The media make it clear to us every day that there is a credit crunch!?! That we are going to have debt problems this year, if we are told often enough will it happen?
There are people that can help, but is it right to use Herms death to debate their failings?
I would ask the Argus to stop printing headlines that are simply rehashed comments that have been left on the website & precarious fact. Herms reasons to end his life will remain his own.
I feel I have to point out to the HPR that Herm waited for a gap in the traffic before he jumped & that the people who helped him, although traumatised, have stated that they were glad they could do anything at all for such a troubled man. The emergency services, doctors & nurses etc who worked to save his life, consider this their job, not a burden but a duty.
Please everybody, let his nearest & dearest grieve, let them remember the kind & loving man they knew but most importantly of all let Herm rest in peace.
Bill, Uckfield says...
12:36pm Thu 17 Jan 08
No one is setting out to disrespect this man and I cant speak for the Argus journalism but enough facts are known so that people can express their thoughts, appropraitley, without being critisised.
Shamoon, Hove says...
12:52pm Thu 17 Jan 08
Hove Park Resident wrote:My thoughts exactly.
Dave says he did not want to burden anyone else. Try telling that to all the poor sods who saw him jump. Try telling that to the emergency services who had to deal with him. Try telling that to the nurses and doctors who tried to save his life. Try telling his family who have been left behind to deal with everything. Dave you are a prize plonker.
anon, worthing says...
2:00pm Thu 17 Jan 08
Article above:"Last night Mr Howard said he was not prepared to discuss the extent of his son's debt."
Then why does the headline read "A27 death leap man crippled by debt.".
I am a nurse & would see it as my duty & job to attend any patient no matter what the injuries, repurcussions or trauma resulting from this. As they are acknowledged as part of our profession.
and, sussex says...
2:28pm Thu 17 Jan 08
grumpy wrote:err just because its a charity it doesnt justify them giving poor service...if they cant provide enough cover just to hand out leaflets then close them down and give the millions of £ of funding back so someone else can have a go
Correct me if I'm wrong but I think all the CAB workers are volunteers, + it's a charity. It's always taken a long wait to be seen, but I've used them twice + both times they gave good advice.
Gwen Flude, West Sussex says...
3:39pm Thu 17 Jan 08
Mounting debts - Flying lessons sad as it is am I missing something.
--------------
I believe this flying lesson was a gift from a family member.
On the subject of those who happen to be reflecting the stress this may have caused emergency services - I agree - it is their job.
It's the same job they carry out for the world's most neglected public health issue: A million road deaths every year. But no one cares to critisise one of the biggest killers known to mankind, the motor car and the horrific deaths these machines cause. But still, you'll all get back into your cars and clog up the roads and continue to pollute the air we breath and threaten not only yourselves but all kinds of life that live in the path of your journeys - however needful those journeys actually are.
Kelly, Worthing says...
8:48pm Thu 17 Jan 08
jo, mileoak says...
10:37pm Thu 17 Jan 08
claire, hove says...
10:53pm Thu 17 Jan 08
paul, worthing says...
10:57pm Thu 17 Jan 08
Alzerbin, Burgess Hill says...
4:56pm Fri 18 Jan 08
Anon, says...
5:34pm Fri 18 Jan 08
You're so funny! Software problem? Who would of thought it! Best push those thick rimmed black glasses back up towards your face. Ooooh and dont forget to snort and chuckle whilst doing so.....
RIP Herm
ross bourne, worthing says...
9:44pm Fri 18 Jan 08
Anon, Lancing says...
10:19pm Fri 18 Jan 08
lb, says...
4:22pm Sun 20 Jan 08
Alzerbin wrote:Ahh poor Alzerbin!or should I say Billy! you clearly have no life of your own to waste your time in writing such a worthless comment. I can't believe some of the things i have read on here, this is a site for people to say nice things about Rob, not for people to pick holes, just remember someone's loved one has died.My heart goes out to Robs Family and all his friends.
Claire, is that English or a predictive text message with a major software problem ?
Robert Howard
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Dave, At Home says...
5:33pm Wed 16 Jan 08
I don't admire him for what he did but I do understand. My thoughts are with his family and friends who must feel really bad that they could not of helped this guy.
Very sad that society works like this.....