A POPULAR Marlow doctor who fell to his death from a motorway bridge had been treated for depression but showed no signs he intended to take his own life, an inquest heard.

Dr Andrew Hobbs from the Marlow Surgery in Victoria Road died, aged 44, on June 12.

Although Dr Hobbs had to stop working due to depression in August 2009, when he had to receive treatment, his death “was entirely unexpected”, a coroner concluded.

His room was left as normal and no suicide not was found, the inquest heard.

The hearing was told Dr Hobbs had helped his father move furniture at St Peter’s Church in Chertsey the day he died.

He had been staying with his parents at their Chertsey home.

A statement issued on behalf of Surrey Coroner Michael Burgess said: “Apparently in the course of the late morning of June 12, work at the church was finished and the deceased made his way to the M3 where he fell onto the motorway hard shoulder, receiving fatal injuries.

“There was no indication that he intended to take his own life (no note was left and his room was left was as it would be for his normal return).

“Plans for the future had been discussed and his death was entirely unexpected. There had been no change or deterioration in his mood in the previous days.”

The inquest was held at short notice by Surrey Deputy Coroner, Dr Karin Englehart on Wednesday September 15.

The Coroners statement continued: “The evidence received into the inquest indicated that Dr Hobbs was a totally committed responsible husband, parent and GP.

“Apart from a number of injuries received when playing rugby he was apparently physically fit.

“In August 2009 he showed signs of depression, becoming withdrawn and sad.

“He received professional help and support. He was too unwell to continue working. He regularly took his medication.”

The Coroner concluded with an 'open verdict'.

Ex-Marlow Mayor Richard Scott, Buckinghamshire County Councillor, told the Free Press in June that Dr Hobbs “probably saved my life".

The GP was “instrumental” in diagnosing his bowel cancer fifteen years ago.

If you would like to pay tribute to Dr Hobbs leave your comments below.