Death of man who stabbed himself ruled a suicide

Photo / File

The death of a Timaru man who fatally stabbed himself when arguing with his partner has been ruled a suicide.

In his findings released today, Coroner Richard McElrea allowed full publication of the events surrounding Tony Crammond's gruesome actions on July 28, 2012.

The 44-year-old lived with his partner Karen O'Hara and that day her brother came around about 10am. All three drank alcohol.

Later in the afternoon, after the brother left, Mr Crammond and Ms O'Hara argued. About 6.45pm a 111 call was made where nobody spoke but the operator could hear what was going on.

Ms O'Hara was heard to say to a friend who she was probably calling on another phone: "Tony just stabbed himself and there is blood everywhere... We had an argument because he is not my kid's father and it actually escalated and then goes, 'I'm f...... no good for you', and then just stabbed himself with a f...... knife."

During the incident Ms O'Hara suffered a minor injury to her head where Mr Crammond hit her.

Police and ambulance crews arrived to find a wounded Mr Crammond on the toilet.

"Agitated and combative", he was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead about 8pm from the effects of stab wounds to his torso.

Despite Mr Crammond shouting he did not want to die after he stabbed himself, Mr McElrea ruled the death a suicide.

"The bizarre actions in stabbing himself were intentional and he knew the probable consequences," the corner said.

Like police, he was satisfied nobody else was responsible and ruled the death out as a homicide.

Tests taken from Mr Crammond's body show his blood-alcohol reading was almost twice the adult driving limit, and he had traces of cannabis in his system.

He had no known history of suicidal tendencies but had recently lost his labouring job after testing positive to drugs.

Mr Crammond also had a criminal history and had a police alert on his file warning he was prone to carrying a knife and firearm.

Where to get help

• Lifeline: 0800 543 534

• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865

• Youth services: (06) 3555 906

• Youthline: 0800 376 633

• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (4pm to 6pm weekdays)

• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (noon to midnight)

• The Word

• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (24-hour service)

• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155

• CASPER Suicide Prevention

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.