THE family of a popular amateur footballer will never know why he chose to take his life, an inquest heard yesterday.

John Jackson, a goalkeeper with Billingham Synthonia, died after he fell from Leven Viaduct, in Yarm, near Stockton, at about 6pm on May 2.

But his parents, Peter and Jo, and his partner, Nicola Rose, do not know of anything that had been troubling him.

The 27-year-old property developer was found alive at the bottom of the viaduct, but paramedics could not save him.

Teesside Coroner’s Court heard yesterday how a witness saw him running across the road with no shoes or socks on shortly before he was discovered. Ms Rose told the court she did not know of anything that would make him want to take his life.

The court heard that Mr Jackson did not leave a note to explain his actions.

Coroner Michael Sheffield recorded a verdict of suicide.

Formerly a player with Shildon, Spennymoor and Marske United, Mr Jackson, of Yarm, near Stockton, joined the Billingham club in the 2005-6 season.

Known as Jacko by his friends, he played 37 times last season for the club, based in Central Avenue.

A week after his death, he was due to be named the club’s player of the year.

In June, he was posthumously named the Northern League’s player of the year.

His family were given a standing ovation as they collected the award at the league’s end-of-season dinner.

Speaking at the time of his death, Billingham Synthonia club chairman Stuart Coleby said: “I have known him since he was 18 years old and he was one of the best amateur footballers in the Northern League.

“He was a smashing lad. He was very well-respected and loved by everyone. You would not find a nicer human being.

“Jacko would do anything By Dani Webb dani.webb@nne.co.uk for anyone. He was a smashing and fantastic lad who had done well for himself.

“We may never know what happened, I just wish I had been able to talk to him.”

Ms Rose also paid tribute to him at the time, saying: “John made every day a sunny day.

He was a wonderful partner and my best friend.”

His parents issued a statement saying: “John was full of life. Everything anybody could have asked for from a son.”