A Llyn windsurfer died after stabbing himself with a kitchen knife, an inquest heard.

Dr John Sanford, known locally as ‘Dr John’, was found by two of his friends in the basement of his home in Bwlchtocyn, near Abersoch, on 6 August this year.

PC Andy Vowell, of Abersoch Police Station, told an inquest in Caernarfon that the 70-year-old was found with a kitchen knife next to him in bed.

He said: “I was called by one of Dr John’s friends, Rob Middleton, who had gone to his home after they became worried after finding his dog on the beach alone.

“Everyone who knew him knew if they saw his dog, he would be close by, so it was very unusual that the dog was alone.

“I went to his home and was told he was in the basement of the house, and that’s where I found him on the bed with a quilt over him, and beside him was an eight inch kitchen knife which had dried blood on it.”

PC Vowell confirmed, following an investigation, that it was found no-one else was involved in his death.

The Llyn policeman also confirmed a note had been found in the retired doctor’s kitchen.

Pathologist Dr Mark Lord carried out a post-mortem examination on 9 August and discovered a wound in Dr Sanford’s left groin area from a self-inflicted stab wound.

North West Wales senior coroner, Dewi Pritchard Jones, said: “From the evidence I have heard, Dr John, which he was affectionately known as, was found lying on his bed peacefully, partly covered by a quilt.

“On the duvet was a blood covered knife and quite a lot of blood on the bed, which was caused by a wound to the thigh.

“The huge loss of blood led to his death.

“There is no evidence he tried to save himself so I’m satisfied it was self-inflicted and no-one else was involved.

“There were also notes around the house which suggests he could see himself coming to the end.

“The verdict I will record is that Dr Sanford did kill himself.”

Following his death tributes were paid to Dr John by his close friends who described him as “extremely thoughtful” and said that he’d be “greatly missed”.

His close friend, former professional windsurfer Farrell O’Shea, said: “Windsurfing was a huge passion of his, and now the water sport community has a massive void in it which can never be filled.”

If you have been distressed or disturbed by this report, you can ring the Samaritans on 08457 909090.