PC David Rathband found dead
PC Daivd Rathband has been found dead at his home in Blyth, Northumberland in a suspected suicide.
The policeman survived being shot twice in the face and shoulder by crazed gunman Raoul Moat as he sat in his police car in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in July 2010.
He spent 17 days in hospital following the attack, but despite attempts to restore his eyesight PC Rathband was left blinded by the gunman. Moat also shot his former girlfriend, Samantha Stobbart, and killed her new boyfriend before turning the gun on himself.
Despite becoming an author and setting up his own charity, PC Rathband had struggled to come to terms with his life after the shooting, which caused the breakdown of his marriage.
Last week, Twitter users became concerned after Mr Rathband posted a series of worrying messages. During a visit to see his brother in Australia, he tweeted: ‘Lost my sight, my job, my wife and my marriage. Flying back on Monday and will say goodbye to my children.’
Followers became further concerned when he posted: ‘RIP PC Rathband.’
Police officers in Blyth visited his home after they became worried about his welfare and found him dead at the scene.
‘I had the privilege of meeting PC David Rathband,’ says Home Secretary Theresa May. ‘He was a brave and fine policeman. My thoughts are with his family.’
Sue Sim, Chief Constable of Northumbria Police says PC Rathband’s life changed forever after he was shot. ‘David showed outstanding bravery in what was a terrifying situation. He was a dedicated officer who acted in the best interests of the police service.’
This is one of the saddest stories I have read in ages about a man who was just ‘doing his job’ I personally want to thank all our forces Armed, Fire, Police and Amulance members who do such a great job.
…. David and his family went through so much ~ He never got over losing his sight, it cost him his career and marraige and his happiness…… RIP x
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this is so sad and a great shame. 🙁
Yes poll I know you have seen the news didn’tyou just feel for him and nowthey are saying stuff about his marriage ~ what eer the man is not here ~ why can’t people just lay off and just let his family mourn him in peace…x
Ohh Debz, This is a very sad story…. I wonder how his family has taken the news…. ?
I have not heard anything about the family………I guess in a state of shock…x
I can imagine his wife is devastated, blaming herself. There was an incident and the police had to be called some weeks ago, when some sort of domestic incident had occurred.That family were torn apart.
Oh, Deb…such a sad story….One crazed person, at one moment in time, has destroyed so much in that family…and the heartbreak will go on and on. …You made an excellent point that everyone should remember…that so many people put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect all of us. We are indeed very thankful for their service.
Yes karen and every penny they earn they deserve ~ dang these cut backs by the goverment!!!!,,,,,x
Debz, I come from the north east, and not very far from where the original incident happened. What concerned most people is the fact that so many people from out of this area came to see Raoul Moat when he was in hiding, and when he was cremated. They looked on him as some sort of folk hero, ‘taking on’ the police. Absolutely horrifying.
Oh maize yes your right about Raoul I remember that, and still do by a few commments I have seen today which are just awful …
It must have been really frightening living so close at that time….
x
Debz just so very sad love, poor bloke. We too had a policeman just doing his job shot in the face at close range last year. His wife is also in the police force and they have two little kids, baby was only three months and little boy two. The decision was made to turn off his life support. Our boys and girls in blue do a wonderful job, they know the risks and are prepared to take them for us and I thank them world wide.
We don’t thank people who help society, never really think about them until something tragic happens. Yet celebs are idolised!
very tragic story this debz. how does one come to terms with what happened to him. very difficult.
I think to be blind after having sight ~ well I honestly just couldn’t imagine it……….and I hope I never have to…..maybe that was a HUGE factor as well for him…….for me it would be, I am not sure how I would cope……one part of me which isnt so strong I’m afraid….
I remember my son when he was 2 and his friend they ran into my house Mommy Mommy I have eggies in my legs…my friend ignored them…so i said show Mommy where and he pointed to his ankles and his knees saying right here Mama, right here…….eggies right here…
My friend didn’t bother and just glanced out the window…..
My short tale being I always took notice and took nothing for granted!!!!………even at the sight of eggies in my sons legs!!!! lol
Wherever David is now, I am sure he will be guided…….and is finally at peace…..
debz
x.
Very sad story debz and the unfortunate thing is that now criminals have no respect for the police force – there was a time when no-one would dare harm a police man, but now the respect has gone. Yesterday in a country town in New South Wales, Australia, a policeman was fatally shot after pulling over a vehicle. He left a wife and 6 children and had been in the force for over 20 years. He was just “doing his job”.
I personally don’t think I could cope with blindness after having sight – I feel for David Rathband and what he went through. May he R.I.P.