A "HAPPY-go-lucky' man died after driving his car into the sea, an inquest heard.

Grahame MacManus, of Garth Wen, was found dead in a vehicle, a Porsche Cayenne, by lifesavers at Llanfairfechan on Friday, September 8. His car was found half-submerged in the water.

The 57-year-old had been married to his wife Juliette for 27 years.

The inquest, at Ruthin County Hall on Tuesday, February 6, heard that the retired electrician born in Belfast had type one diabetes. He suffered from various health problems include eye bleeds and sight problems and had endured "many eye operations". 

He had been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver - something he had kept secret from his family. 

After his death, it was also discovered that Mr MacManus had been struggling financially. Mrs MacManus said their income was hardly covering their outgoings, with mortgage payments tripling.  

Mr MacManus tried to deal with these struggles. He "quietly" covered the shortfall by using savings. 

In a statement, Mrs MacManus told the inquest: "He was a happy-go-lucky man. It must have been so hard to bear.

"He is so missed as a husband and best friend."

On the morning of the September 8, it is believed Mr MacManus left the home shortly after 5am.

Nigel Harrison, whose lounge window directly overlooks the slipway in Llanfairfechan, where boats enter, saw a black object about 30 metres out to sea at about 7.15am that morning.

A statement from Mr Harrison, read out during the inquest, said: "I would say it was a thin line of black. I used a pair of binoculars and didn’t notice anything more."

At 7.50am, Mr Harrison noticed a number of people by the water edge.

"It became clear, now the tide had resided, I could see a boot lid open," he said.

"I now know this vehicle to be a dark coloured Porsche."

Mr Harrison contacted the police and requested the coastguard.

Alun Roberts, coastguard rescue officer, was alerted to the incident. Police were already on the scene when he arrived.

In a statement, read out to the inquest, Mr Roberts said: "Only a small part of the roof could be seen. We were able to confirm one occupant."

The medical cause of death was determined as drowning.

Kate Robertson, assistant coroner for North Wales East and Central, recorded a conclusion of suicide.

Ms Robertson said: "My sincere condolences to Mrs MacManus and the family."

Anyone feeling distressed or suicidal can telephone Samaritans for help on 116 123 (free) or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK