A deeply emotional inquest has heard that Paul Flack, brother of late television presenter Caroline Flack, never fully came to terms with her death. The latest entertainment news Ireland coverage around the case has drawn attention to the devastating long-term impact of grief, as details emerged about Paul’s final months and the personal struggles he faced.
At an inquest in Norwich, Norfolk area coroner Johanna Thompson said Paul Flack, 55, had experienced a low mood in recent years following several major life events. Among them were the death of his sister in 2020 and the passing of his father, Ian Flack, in November 2025 after a dementia diagnosis.
Inquest Hears of Ongoing Grief in entertainment news Ireland story
Paul Flack was found unresponsive in the garden of his Norwich home on Father’s Day, June 21. He was taken by ambulance to hospital but was pronounced dead later that evening. The coroner recorded his medical cause of death as out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, with hanging listed as a contributory cause.
In a narrative conclusion, the coroner said Paul Flack had taken his own life while under the influence of alcohol, adding that his precise intention remained unknown.
Evidence presented to the hearing included a statement from his partner, Joanna Millington, who said the pair had been together for 32 years and shared two adult children. She described him as a much-loved father and partner, and said his sister’s death had left a lasting mark.
“I don’t think Paul really recovered from this,” her statement said, referring to Caroline Flack’s death.
Partner Described a Difficult Period
Ms Millington said Paul had worked as a self-employed graphic designer, but the decline of the industry may have added to his sadness. She also revealed she had encouraged him to seek counselling.
In the days before his death, she noticed he had been drinking more than usual, though she also described the week they spent together as positive and peaceful. On the evening of June 21, she said he remained in the garden drinking beer while she watched a film indoors with one of their children.
- Paul Flack was 55 at the time of his death
- He had been in a long-term relationship for 32 years
- His blood alcohol level was recorded at 296mg per 100ml
- This was around four times the legal drink-drive limit in England
Neighbour Recalled Distressing Final Moments
A neighbour, Olive Merrill, told the inquest she heard voices in the garden earlier that afternoon and later heard what she described as a shriek at around 10.30pm. She called out to ask if help was needed and then dialled emergency services.
Her account added to the deeply distressing picture presented during the hearing, which family members did not attend in person but were said to be aware of and content with the evidence being read in their absence.
Caroline Flack’s Death Cast a Long Shadow
Caroline Flack, the former Love Island and X Factor presenter, died in February 2020 at the age of 40. A previous inquest found that she had taken her own life after learning she would face prosecution in an assault case and amid fears of intense media intrusion. In Irish entertainment news and wider celebrity news Ireland coverage, her death has continued to be remembered as one of the most tragic losses in modern TV.
This latest entertainment news Ireland update is a sobering reminder that grief can stretch far beyond the first shock of bereavement. For families living with loss, recovery is rarely straightforward, and the effects can resurface for years.
Anyone affected by the issues in this story can contact Samaritans free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. As this entertainment news Ireland story shows, support matters, and asking for help can be a vital first step.
