An island-based family have paid tribute to their ’kind and caring’ adopted son following his tragic death.

Robert Sanducan Smith, 27, whose early life in a Romanian orphanage caused lasting damage, died after falling from the Humber Bridge on April 14 this year.

His body was later recovered from the River Ouse at Boothferry Bridge near Goole on May 4.

At his inquest last week, Coroner Rosemary Baxter delivered an open verdict saying that while Mr Smith probably intended to take his own life she could not rule out it being a tragic accident. His parents Sue and Graham Smith, of Baldrine, had adopted Robert as a toddler from a Romanian orphanage after he was abandoned by his teenage mother.

Robert, who had battled mental health problems, completed a course at Isle of Man College but struggled to hold down a job, having moved back to Hull.

personality

His mum Sue said: ’Though Robert’s early life in a Romanian orphanage had caused such profound and long-lasting damage, his true personality was able to shine through.

’He was a kind and caring person, who loved his family and enjoyed being uncle to his young nephews.

’He had the knack of coming alongside the needy and vulnerable and was often involved in helping the homeless.

’He was friendly and cheerful and was loved by the many he came in contact with.

’Despite all the challenges, he held on to his friends, his family and his Christian faith. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.’

In a statement read out at an inquest in Hull, Mr Smith’s father Graham explained how they brought their adopted son to the UK from Romania.

He said: ’Robert was born in Romania to his teenage mother who later abandoned him. We first saw him at a hospital in 1991 and started the adoption process.

’We brought him back to the UK when he was three when we lived in York and then we moved to Hull.

’His mental development was behind others his age due to his early time in Romania and he had special educational needs. His behaviour became challenging as he got older.’

After his parents moved to the Isle of Man, Robert split his time between Hull and the island.

Mr Smith told the inquest: ’When he moved back to Hull we would speak to him at least once a week.

’His mum last spoke to him two days before he disappeared and he appeared happy and content. We had no concerns in relation to him being suicidal or depressed.’

A close friend of Mr Smith, who had known him for more than a decade, admitted the mental health issues were a worry.

In a statement he told the inquest: ’Robert had mental health issues which worsened when he broke up with his girlfriend. When Robert was on his medication he was OK but if he stopped taking it his behaviour became erratic.

’They day before he disappeared, Robert talked about a bucket list. He had self-esteem issues and he didn’t like his body.’

The inquest heard Mr Smith suffered psychotic episodes including hallucinations and paranoia.