A former Wells resident who had been battling with addiction since being injured in a firearm attack 16 years ago was found dead in his parent's garage.

37-year-old Luke Simmonds had been a victim of a shotgun assault carried out by Gary Stone, a farm labourer, outside the Street Inn, in May 2005.

The mental trauma from the horrific incident led him to a path of addiction.

Luke, who had no permanent address, but had previously lived in both Street and Wells was found hanged in his parent's garage in West End, Street, on July 6, 2021.

Samantha Marsh, the Senior Somerset Coroner, attributed the cause of Simmonds' death on July 6, 2021, to misadventure. It was inferred that Simmonds intentionally undertook actions that led to his death.

She added that alcohol had significantly influenced his demise.

Simmonds was 21 years old when Stone injured him. Following the attack, Stone also shot a 20-year-old builder, fled the scene, and subsequently took his own life in Croscombe.

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