The demise of former Strictly Come Dancing professional, Robin Windsor, has been determined as a suicide following an inquest into the circumstances surrounding his passing.
Windsor was discovered deceased at the Hoxton Hotel in Shepherd’s Bush, London, on February 19, 2024. The talented dancer had a blood alcohol level exceeding double the legal drink-drive limit and had consumed the drug GBL.
A 10-person jury concluded that Windsor had taken his own life, attributing the likely causes to a combination of factors contributing to his depression.
The jury forewoman stated in court that Windsor had endured childhood trauma and was susceptible to emotional and professional rejection.
Additionally, the jury noted that feelings of loneliness, lack of emotional maturity, financial pressures, inconsistent mental health support, and ongoing heartache were significant factors influencing Windsor’s decision to end his life.
In a message left for a close friend before his death, Windsor revealed, “This all really began when I lost my spot on Strictly, and I have been battling it ever since.”
“I’ve had a fulfilling journey, accomplished remarkable feats in my 44 years, and led an extraordinary life pursuing my passion. However, all good things must come to an end, and my final act has arrived,” he expressed.
A separate note addressed to his ex-partner, Ollie Augstin, whom Windsor had parted ways with a year earlier, emphasized, “I want you to know, this is not your fault!”
Coroner Anton van Dellen tasked jurors with examining the circumstances surrounding Windsor’s demise, urging them to evaluate the factors that potentially exacerbated his mental health decline, ultimately leading to his tragic decision.
Prior to their deliberation, the Coroner cautioned jurors against drawing judgmental conclusions during the inquest, prohibiting terms like “breach of duty of care” and “negligently.”
Heart-wrenching testimonies were shared by Windsor’s friends and colleagues, including former Strictly partners Lisa Riley and Deborah Meaden.
In a statement conveyed to the jury by van Dellen, Emmerdale star Riley conveyed that Windsor’s spirit had dimmed following his departure from Strictly.
Riley disclosed, “From that point onward until his passing, he descended deeper into a bottomless pit of despair.”
Describing their close bond that endured beyond their time on Strictly, Riley reflected, “Our connection was unbreakable. Robin was my pillar, my closest confidant.”
Riley also recounted Windsor confiding in her about a distressing incident where he was allegedly assaulted by his former dance instructor, feeling unsupported by his parents in addressing the trauma.
In a separate statement, entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den personality, Meaden, shared that while Windsor strived to maintain a cheerful facade, she had observed moments of emotional distress and preoccupation in her dance partner.