Beloved PE Teacher Paul Ruff Takes His Own Life After Second Arrest

A PE teacher from the South West, Paul Ruff, tragically took his own life following his second arrest, an inquest heard. The long-serving educator at St Peter’s Church of England Aided School in Exeter, Devon, was discovered dead at his home by a concerned friend on February 15.

The inquest into the 49-year-old’s death was held on August 1 at Exeter Coroner’s Court, with family, friends, and colleagues present. While the reasons behind his initial arrest on December 12 and the subsequent arrest on February 15 were not disclosed, reports from Devon Live indicated that his family only learned about the arrests and the ongoing police investigation after his untimely death.

Paul Ruff was remembered as a dedicated professional who spent his life coaching and participating in sports. Following his arrests, he believed his career and reputation were ruined, which led to depression and confessions of suicidal thoughts to a close friend.

His sister, Julie Olson, shared that he had studied sports at university and, after earning his teaching qualification in Exeter, joined St Peter’s School, where he later became head of the PE department. As a young man, he represented his county in running and later embraced the challenge of long-distance marathon running, even completing an ultra-marathon through the Sahara Desert.

During a trip to the USA, Ruff discovered ultimate frisbee, which he introduced to the UK, coaching it in schools and establishing it as a national competition. His passion for sport extended to kayaking and cycling, and he co-hosted a radio show. However, his greatest passion was teaching. Ms. Olson stated, “He was dedicated to his job. He was the first to arrive in the morning and the last to leave at night. He ran after-school clubs every night.”

Described as a private individual, Ruff kept his personal life to himself. He had never married or had children but maintained a close friendship with a former fiancée. Ms. Olson added that his mental health was “excellent” and he encouraged children to speak up if they felt low. She said, “I am not aware of previous self-harm. He would tell me he had the most amazing life and how it was important not to waste a single day.”

Despite his upbeat demeanor during a family visit the weekend before his death, where he was in high spirits and generously gave early birthday gifts, Ms. Olson noted in retrospect that he seemed “too happy.” He did not mention anything about being arrested or suspended from school.

The inquest revealed that the school suspended Ruff immediately after being notified of his arrest by the police. The leadership team established a support network for him. Martin Hawker, a colleague and friend, noted that Ruff often struggled during the winter months. Following his December arrest, his mental health significantly deteriorated. Hawker recounted, “His reputation had gone and work was his life. It was very difficult for him to see any way back. He talked about the world being a better place without him. I tried to encourage him to get help, but he wouldn’t.”

Former colleague Mike Musson detailed plans to visit a friend’s woodland with Ruff on February 15. However, upon learning of Ruff’s second arrest from mutual friend Rob Robson, Musson found Ruff at home looking “ashen” and wanting solitude. Ruff had confided in Musson about the police probe and harbored suicidal thoughts, stating, “A lack of communication was leaving him feeling anxious and paranoid.”

When Rob Robson arrived shortly after Musson left, he found Ruff’s door locked but used his key to enter. Discovering Ruff in the locked garage, emergency services were called, but they couldn’t save him. The official verdict stated Ruff died by suicide, influenced by his arrest. Two poignant suicide notes were uncovered, one reading: “I have sat for hours to try and work if there was an alternative… there isn’t.”

The cause of death was determined as asphyxia due to hanging. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigated due to the brief interval between his release from custody and his death. The IOPC report found that Ruff had been evaluated by a mental health professional during each custody period, with no concerns noted, despite his refusal to interact with external services. The report documented an extensive level of safeguarding, concluding it was difficult to see what more could have been done to safeguard him.

Jonny Baker, St Peter’s deputy headteacher, stated that the school had been alerted by the police about Ruff’s second arrest and had extended all possible pastoral support. Senior coroner Philip Spinney remarked, “Undoubtedly the police investigation and suspension from work contributed to his death. On the balance of probabilities, he took his own life and intended to do so.”