'Sociable' company director found dead at cliffs near Eastbourne

The inquest into the death of Ben Ling, 35, who died on June 1, 2022, was held at Eastbourne Town Hall on Friday, January 13,

Mr Ling, who was born in Portsmouth, was living in Southampton with his husband and his partner’s family at the time of his death, East Sussex coroner Alan Craze heard.

Mr Ling’s mother, Carol, said her son ‘could be very sociable and confident’ and ‘never had a bad word to say about anyone’. His interests included zip-lining and snowboarding, she said.

Dr Zainab Ali said Mr Ling’s cause of death was multiple injuries.

There was no evidence of third party involvement in My Ling’s death, police investigations supervisor Laura Rolph added.

Mr Craze reached a conclusion that the death was suicide.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, the Samaritans may be able to help – the charity’s helpline number is 116 123.