THE former head of the Royal Marines was found hanged at home after having "concerns" about his marriage and career, an inquest heard.

       Major General Matt Holmes, 54, was discovered dead at his home in Winchester, Hants, on October 2.

       3

       Gen Holmes, a dad of two, was found dead at his home in Winchester on October 2 3

       Royal Marine Lt Col Matthew Holmes with his wife Lea and daughter Eleanor receives his Distinguished service order for services in Afghanistan Credit: PA

       The decorated war hero had "concerns about his marriage and his service career", an inquest was told.

       Hampshire coroner Jason Pegg also told the hearing police had attended an incident at his home on September 22.

       The inquest was not told what the nature of the incident was.

       Mr Pegg said: "It's suspected that Matthew Holmes had a number of concerns at the time of his death including matters relating to his marriage and his service career."

       The inquest was adjourned for a full hearing on February 10, 2022.

       Gen Holmes served in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan and was appointed as a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order for his leadership on operations in 2007.

       Most read in The Sun

       Exclusive

       'OFFENSIVE' Little Mix's Leigh-Anne WARNED Jesy about blackfishing in explosive bust-up

       TH-INK AGAIN Tattooist shows horse inking on customer but everyone’s saying the same thing

       SUNBELIEVEABLE Solar storm hitting Earth could play havoc with power grid

       NAME GAME Stacey Solomon finally chooses baby daughter's name a week after giving birth

       TELLY TROUBLE ITV DOWN – live TV channel crashes with pixellated video & bad sound quality

       KID YOU NOT New-mum breaks down in tears after no-one turns up to her baby shower

       He was given a CBE in 2019 and was one of the pall bearers at Prince Philip's funeral.

       The decorated hero was made Commandant General Royal Marines from 2019 until April this year.

       It was previously reported the dad-of-two had watched his marriage collapse after being sidelined from his “dream job”.

       He was removed from the role just 20 months in to a three-year post after clashing with the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin.

       His estranged wife Lea paid tribute to a “kind and generous” man who had “committed his life to serving in the Royal Marines”.

       She said: “He was selfless to such an extent that this was more important than his own career progression.”

       You're Not Alone

       EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.

       It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.

       It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.

       And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.

       Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.

       That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.

       The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.

       Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... You're Not Alone.

       If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

       CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858 Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393 Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41 Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123 Movember, www.uk.movember.com Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm

       His sister Sarah added: “My family's world has been rocked this weekend by the tragic loss of my brother.

       “Matt dedicated his life to the service of Queen, country and Corps.

       “Last Friday evening he told me he was in fighting form, despite multiple stresses. Just a short time later he took his own life.”

       Lieutenant General Rob Magowan, who succeeded Major General Holmes as head of the Royal Marines, said: “My heart goes out to him and his family.

       “We will honour him and all those closest to him.”

       He added: “It matters not that he was a general, but it does that he is a Royal Marine."

       If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.

       3

       An inquest heard he was found hanged