A retired businessman shot himself outside a police station as he struggled to cope with a debilitating lung condition.
Newport Coroner’s Court was told that Ronald Arthur Warren, 75, died from the gunshot wound at Ystrad Mynach on October 21.
The inquest, held on January 14, heard how Mr Warren, a former smoker, feared that his pulmonary fibrosis would suffocate him.
Coroner David Bowen recorded a verdict of suicide and said he believed Mr Warren, of Ystrad Mynach, chose to kill himself outside the police station so his family or members of the public would not have to find his body.
Mr Warren had been an active man, enjoying sailing, walking and hang gliding, but after retiring ten years ago his health deteriorated.
The hearing was told how he needed oxygen constantly and struggled to get up the stairs.
In a written statement his wife Pamela said he was prescribed antidepressants but had stopped taking them. He suffered panic attacks, fearing his condition would suffocate him.
After dropping her off in Cardiff to go shopping, Mr Warren went to the car park at Ystrad Mynach Police Station, got out and shot himself with a handgun.
His family did not know about the gun and had no idea he was planning to take his own life.