Saturday Kitchen star Russell Norman took his own life in his Kent garden after a “drunken argument” with his girlfriend, an inquest has heard.
The BBC presenter and award-winning chef was found unresponsive on November 18, 2023, and despite being rushed to hospital, he died five days later surrounded by family.
The inquest, held at Oakwood house in Maidstone, Kent, revealed that Norman had twice the legal drink-drive limit of alcohol in his system at the time.
His girlfriend, Dr Genevieve Verdigel, found him unconscious in the garden and immediately called for help. She said: “I ran back inside to call 999. I was trying to do CPR. I was screaming and the people next door came round.”
The inquest also heard that Norman had been showing “suicidal tendencies” before his death, and the cause of his death was listed as a brain injury caused by hanging.
Norman co-founded the restaurants POLPO, SPUNTINO and BRUTTO.
TV chef James Martin added his heartfelt condolences, stating: “Just heard the news that today we lost a giant and a legend in the restaurant world, Russell Norman, who was and will always be an inspiration for so many.”
Norman leaves behind children from his past relationship – two daughters with his wife Jules and a son named Ollie.
If you need emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour line at 116 123, email them at [email protected], visit a branch in person, or on the website.
Source: NewsFinale
