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Writer killed himself with euthanasia kit

Oct 2 2011 by Kim Carmichael, Sunday Sun

AN author is believed to have killed himself with a “euthanasia kit” bought on the internet.

Middlesbrough-born Jack Semmens, 73, meticulously planned his own death over a period of months and a ‘how-to’ book for those wishing to end their lives was found lying near his body.

The dad-of-five, who is thought to have ordered the kit from the US, e-mailed out a suicide note shortly before his death reading: “£10,000 to Dignitas? I don’t think so.”

He ended his note by saying: “So many people live far too long.”

He had previously battled cancer, but at the time of his death was not suffering from any serious medical condition, an inquest into his death this week heard.

Mr Semmens, who was found dead at his home in Hastings, East Sussex, on July 7, had sent the e-mail in the early hours of the morning to several friends, with the subject line ‘Tired of life’.

When she received the message, friend Helena Wojtczak alerted the police, who arrived at the flat at 7.15am.

Ms Wojtczak said: “Jack hated the idea of getting old, and being treated differently.