Trust pays tribute to psychiatrist in fatal fall

Neve Gordon-Farleigh/BBC Two police officers standing in a walkway. There are cones in front of them with police cordon tape. On the left of the officers is a blue wall with advertising for Norwich Castle. On the right, there is a brick wall. Behind the this is a grassy hill with Norwich Castle on top. Neve Gordon-Farleigh/BBC
Emergency services were called to Castle Gardens on 21 January

A mental health trust has paid tribute to a psychiatrist held in "great esteem" by his colleagues and patients.

Father-of-six Rajeeve Parkianathan, who worked for Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), was found injured in Castle Gardens, Norwich, on 21 January, and died at the scene.

At an inquest on Thursday, a coroner concluded the 43-year-old died in a fall from a bridge but his intent was unknown at the time, and may have been impeded by depression.

"Dr Parkianathan was a highly respected consultant forensic psychiatrist who was well-known across Norfolk and Suffolk and held in great esteem by both his colleagues and those in his care," said chief medical officer Dr Faisil Sethi.

"We were shocked and extremely saddened by his death and are continuing to keep his family and friends in our thoughts."

Before reading her narrative conclusion, Norfolk coroner Samantha Goward said it was clear from the evidence that Dr Parkianathan was a very well-loved man who was respected by his colleagues and patients.

His cause of death was given as traumatic chest injuries.

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