WORRIED friends of an Ammanford musician found his body after they broke into his flat because they had not heard from him all weekend, an inquest has heard.

Rennie McKinnon was discovered at his Llys Lotwen home in Capel Hendre on Monday, October 5, after they smashed their way in because he had not responded to calls or texts.

The inquest at Llanelli Town Hall heard police were alerted at around 6.20pm by Brian Mitchell, who was part of a group of the 41-year-old’s friends, who had broken in.

PC Ashleigh Jones told the inquest: “He stated he and two other males had forced their way into the premises because they were concerned about the welfare of this person.”

PC Jones said the friends found Mr McKinnon and confirmed his identity to police.

Deputy Coroner for Carmarthenshire Pauline Mainwaring ruled that the father-of-three, who had been treated for depression, had taken his own life.

“There were no suspicious circumstances or third-party involvement,” she said.

“I find that the deceased killed himself.”

Friends have organised a tribute night, in honour of Mr McKinnon, at Llandybie Social Club on November 21. Admission is £4 and doors open at 7.30pm.

The night will feature a host of local artists, with proceeds going to a cancer charity.