Coroner's Finding: Alsop, Olaf Paul

54y · Male·asphyxia due to hanging

A 54-year-old man with long-standing mental health issues, substance use disorder, and terminal lung cancer died by hanging. He had a history of suicide attempts and was receiving palliative care. In his final months, he made escalating requests for pain medication. His GP ceased treatment due to concerns about medication-seeking behaviour and dishonesty about drug use. The patient became distressed at losing his GP but was offered alternative practices. The coroner found no clinical failures: the GP's treatment over 10 years was appropriate, thorough and compassionate, with careful prescribing safeguards implemented. All treating professionals were aware of suicide risk. The death could not have been prevented by any person.