We've got no answers after Dylan was let down and now we never will - Blackpool family's agony at inquest
A coroner has asked for a copy of the police disciplinary report in the case of a man who died almost three years ago so he can finalise a date for an inquest, while his family say they ‘feel let down’ by proceedings.’
Dylan McEwan Smith died by hanging on June 13, 2023, just hours after being returned home by a police officer who found him in distress on a building site. His family say a security guard had called for help after finding the 24-year-old without shoes on at 5am, saying that he wanted to kill himself.
They believe he should have been taken to hospital for mental health help instead of being dropped off at home - and have hit out at Lancashire Police for dismissing an investigation into the events surrounding his death.
An inquest into Dylan’s death was opened and then adjourned in November 2023, pending the outcome of a possible police misconduct hearing, which it was confirmed last year would be taking place to probe the contact the police officer had with Dylan shortly before he died.
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But nearly three years after his death, Dylan’s family were told earlier this year that the misconduct hearing had been formally discontinued because a key witness called by the officer could not be traced.
Now, with that discontinuation of the hearing confirmed at a coroner’s review into the case held at Blackpool Town Hall, assistant coroner Andrew Cousins has asked for a copy of the police investigation report before he can finalise details of the inquest.
He plans to hold another review in April or May, at which a date for the inquest is likely to be set and a decision taken over whether or not it will be a jury inquest.
Dylan’s girlfriend Molly Cartmell, was at the review hearing and emotionally expressed her frustration that the police conduct hearing had been discontinued and that there had been no contact from the police.
“There has been no word from them at all - we just want answers,” she said.
Molly has described Dylan as “a happy soul” who had never before spoken about suicide. She said the warehouse worker was her “best friend” and his passing would “leave a hole in my heart for the rest of my life.”
“He loved his friends and family to bits,” she added. “He had four younger siblings he was extremely close to, he enjoyed seeing his other family such as his aunties, uncles and cousins. His mum sadly passed away in 2022 who he adored.
“He was always telling me stories about them, and I could see the happiness in him when he was around his family. They never knew him to be sad and he was always so happy to be around them. Dylan worked in a warehouse up until his death and had worked there for three years prior, he enjoyed his job and the people he worked with.
“He was really a hard-working man and was always in employment.”
Molly, who was 22 when Dylan died, has also questioned why Dylan was not taken to hospital or referred to a crisis team, believing that had he been, he could still be here today.
Dylan’s auntie, Jade McEwan, said earlier: “We feel let down. They (Lancashire Police) should have done something before now. We have been unable to grieve properly - we haven’t even been able to get a death certificate for Dylan because the inquest hasn’t been held yet - and it’s caused huge ripple effects through the family.
“We have been left with so many questions, and we don’t know if they will ever be answered. But we are going to take this further. If this is how we’ve been treated by the police, then how many others are affected too?”
Enquiries were exhausted
A Lancashire Police spokesman said previously: “In 2023 misconduct proceedings were started in respect of an officer following the death of Dylan McEwan-Smith. Prior to the Hearing which was due to take place in February 2026 enquiries were exhausted to make contact with the witness to provide key evidence in the hearing.
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“The witness couldn’t be traced and it was clear that a fair hearing would not be able to take place, the extremely difficult decision was taken to discontinue the proceedings. Our thoughts remain with Dylan’s family and contact will be made with them in due course. Due to the ongoing coronal proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment any further.”
Help is available
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or something that makes you feel severely unsafe, distressed, or worried about your mental health, you can now contact your local crisis service by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option.
The Lancashire and South Cumbria Mental Health Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 0800 953 0110. It is staffed by trained mental health professionals who are able to provide assessment and referrals to appropriate services. Ring it if you need to access services or for advice about someone who needs treatment or support.