Boxing promoter Dean Powell had stopped taking medication to combat depression before jumping in front of a New Cross train, an inquest heard.

Mr Powell, the right hand man of  Frank Warren, had worked with some of British boxing's biggest names including Lennox Lewis, Nigel Benn, Joe Calzaghe and Amir Khan.

But Southwark Coroners Court heard today (February 5) how Mr Powell, who had a history of depression, jumped off a platform at New Cross Gate station on September 10 2013 and was hit by a train going at 50mph.

In a statement read in court, train driver Paul Dalessandro said he spotted Mr Powell, who was alone on the platform at around 11.15am that morning. 

He said: "As we neared him he walked towards the edge of the platform and, with his back to me, launched himself in front of the train."

British Transport Police and the London Ambulance Service were on the scene quickly but had to wait for the railway line's power supply to be switched off. However, the inquest heard there was nothing which could have saved the 47-year-old divorcee.

When police tried to contact his family - many of whom packed the courtroom for today's inquest - they discovered a missing person's report had already been filed and that he had made a phonecall asking for his family to be taken care of.

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According to his GP, Mr Powell - who lived in Camberwell - had recently stopped taking medication for his depression as he did not want to be reliant upon it. He had seen his doctor on several occasions in the months before his death because he was feeling low, but had "no thoughts or plans to harm himself".

Coroner Lorna Tagliavini concluded Mr Powell's cause of death was multiple injured and that he had committed suicide. She told his family and friends: "I'm very sorry for your great loss."

After Mr Powell's death, many members of the boxing world paid tribute, including Mr Warren, who said: "All of us are deeply saddened and shocked by the loss of our very close friend and colleague, Dean Powell. 

"Dean was a valued and popular member of our team and within the sport of boxing and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones for their tragic loss."

If you are affected by suicide or need to speak to someone in confidence then you can call Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.