A FATHER-of-four committed suicide during a bout of depression, an inquest into his death heard yesterday (Wednesday). Police launched a massive missing person search to find Nicholas Millar, aged 53, on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 26, after his brother

A FATHER-of-four committed suicide during a bout of depression, an inquest into his death heard yesterday (Wednesday).

Police launched a massive missing person search to find Nicholas Millar, aged 53, on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 26, after his brother raised concerns about his welfare.

But the respected rugby player was found dead early the following morning in a lock-up garage in Tennyson Road, Chiswell Green, near to the family home in Watford Road, which he shared with his wife Jane and four children.

Mr Millar, who had a long history of depression and had been particularly affected by the death of his parents-in-law, took an overdose of sleeping tablets before hanging himself.

His brother Mike had seen him on May 24 when he had appeared well but when they spoke over the phone two days later he seemed agitated.

Mike Millar immediately text his brother to find out what was wrong but became concerned with the response he received. He called him again and his brother said he had a noose around his neck, but refused to disclose where he was.

Herts Coroner Edward Thomas said: "He appeared slurred and said he had taken an overdose of sleeping pills, and just wanted to go to sleep."

Mr Millar had also failed to show up for work in Redbourn that day.

The emergency services were immediately informed and launched a search for him.

Inspector Stephen Morrill told the inquest that all police operations virtually stopped that afternoon in the hunt for Mr Millar.

Mobile phone tracking revealed he was still in the St Albans area and officers searched places he frequented, such as Greenwood Park and the St Albans Rugby Club.

His car was found in Farringford Close at 5pm but officers were still unable to locate Mr Millar after door-to-door enquiries failed to reveal any leads.

Then, as his family was travelling home from Bath in the early hours of the following morning, they thought of searching the lock-up garage he used for storage.

His body was found behind a trailer in the garage at around 3am.

Mr Thomas recorded that Mr Millar took his own life while in a depressive state.

He said: "It is clear to me that Mr Millar suffered from depressive episodes from time to time. I have read his medical notes and his GP's notes which said there were certain times when they came to the forefront of his mind, particularly when there were bereavements."

He continued: "When he didn't feel like that, I don't think he would have taken his own life and it's important to record that."

Mr Thomas added: "He was passionate about sport and was held in high-regard. He was passionate in his beliefs and was described as quite a quiet man. But he was very involved with and supportive to his family."

The St Albans Rugby Club, of which Mr Millar was a member, posted a tribute to him on their website at the time of his death which read: "He was much respected both on the pitch and in the clubhouse.