RAF Honington airman Corrie McKeague who disappeared after night out in Bury St Edmunds faced binge-drinking problem after friend’s death, inquest told
Airman Corrie McKeague, who vanished on a night out in 2016, developed a 'significant binge-drinking problem' after his friend died on a train line when he was a teenager, an inquest heard.
An inquest into the death of the RAF Honington gunner, who is believed to have died on September 24, 2016 after a night out in Bury St Edmunds, began at Suffolk Coroner's Court, in Ipswich, today.
In witness statements to the inquest, Corrie's family members described him as a charming and free-spirited person.
A statement from his mum Nicola Urquhart said her son had struggled with the separation of herself and Corrie's father, Martin McKeague, when Corrie was 10-years-old.
It also detailed concerns she had over his binge drinking, but added in the lead up to his disappearance, there was 'nothing to suggest' Corrie had any concerns.
A further witness statement from Corrie's brother, Darroch McKeague, who spoke to him the night before he is believed to have died, said: "There was nothing out of the ordinary that would raise a cause for concern the night he disappeared.
"He was happy, looking forward to our shared plans and looking forward to our night out together."
A witness statement from Martin McKeague echoed the statement from Nicola Urquhart, adding Corrie finding his friend dead after being hit by a train had severely impacted him.
"Corrie was a happy child, however there were major events that shaped Corrie's life," he said.
"When Corrie was 10-years-old Nicola and I had separated.
“At the age of 15, when he was first to find the body of his friend who had just been killed on a train line, I believe Corrie developed a significant binge-drinking problem.
“In his teenage years that impacted his emotional wellbeing and mired many of his relationships.
“Following a visit to my home town in Cupar in 2016 shortly before his disappearance I once again had to have words with him about it.
“We had a falling out over it.”
However, he said: "I do not believe that Corrie was ever suicidal.
"This has been a heartbreaking tragedy."
