'Amazing Manx public' re-thanked for efforts in searching for Ramsey man who drowned

Inquest into death of Jamie Barrow has now concluded

The mother of a Ramsey man who drowned in 2023 has re-thanked the Manx public for their efforts in searching for him.

Jamie Barrow was reported missing on 18 September of that year; his body was recovered from the sea 12 days later.

At Douglas Courthouse this week the Coroner of Inquests ruled that his death was as a result of suicide saying the 39-year-old had a ‘settled intention’ to end his own life when he’d entered the water.

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Emergency services had launched an extensive search for Mr Barrow in September 2023 and, alongside volunteer groups, worked day and night to try and find him.

Following confirmation of his death Mr Barrow’s family started a memorial fundraising campaign and raised more than £11,000 which was distributed to 14 charities on the Island.

Mr Barrow’s mother, Valerie Nelson, gave evidence to the inquest about her son’s final days describing him as an ‘extremely special’ person.

In a statement provided to Manx Radio she added: "Jamie was a beautiful intelligent child with a great sense of humour.

"He loved music and played the guitar, he loved art and painted using the encaustic technique and spent hours studying and playing chess, his great passion.

"He started the Ramsey Chess Club and there has been a recent tournament in his name.

"He also loved maths and quantum physics.

"We raised funds after his death in his name and distributed this to the search and rescue teams.

"Myself and all the family would like once again to thank all the services and the amazing Manx public for their help when he went missing.

"I personally have to thank my family and friends and colleagues who have been so supportive through a very difficult time and we, his family, along with a lot of his friends will miss him very dearly.”

Mrs Nelson also paid tribute to her legal team - led by Darren Taubitz - for their ‘compassion’ and the hours spent ‘getting through what has proved a traumatic year’.