On the limited information available so far, it does sound suspiciously like he took his own life. I suspect that the whole Spygate situation and outcome (no longer being a part of the sport that he loved so much), was a great disappointment to him and that being involved in a "lesser" race series everyday simply served to remind him of just what he'd thrown away. For the sake of his family and friends, I hope that it's not the case that he took his own life and it turns out it was just a bizarre/freak accident. If it turns out to be suicide, then his family and friends will spend the rest of their days wondering/torturing themselves as to whether there was anything they could have done to prevent it, or if they were part of the decision to end it all. That's the part of suicide that is totally selfish - The devastation it leaves behind for family and friends to have to come to terms with! (Not to mention the devastating affect it has on those who witness it or have to deal with the aftermath!). Even if it's not suicide, those poor people are going to suffer forever and a day wondering just why it happened - And that is tragic!
Stepney was one of those men that both for the good and the bad reasons gave Ferrari the legendary status it has. Because the best stories always have light and shadows. Prior to the infamous "Stepeney-gate", it´s rumoured that he kept for himself some money that was given to his crew as a bonus. Later Jean Todt said that he tolerated him because despite being problematic he got the job done.
Ditto, lost a great mate who struggled for years with his business, got it going in a huge way, handed the business over to his kids, met a lovely lady, had the world just where he wanted it, killed himself through depression, a very selfish act IMO, they don't think of the troubled family they leave behind. Saying that, the first thing I thought of was, did someone "arrange" this ??
It's all speculation at this point point and I'd hate to think that he committed suicide. Particularly in such fashion. Its one thing to kill yourself, quite another to have some innocent bloke do it for you.
This fellow could have stepped back and re-evaluated EVERYTHING. When "successful" people pull the plug it baffles me. One could just check out of the rat race 100% and buy a simple sailboat, or even a bike, and wander the world with each day bringing a new discovery. Or donate one's life to a charity and live for a greater cause. What a horrid waste.
To those that have never suffered from depression, or had dealings with someone who has suffered from depression (and I mean real depression - Not just feeling a bit down every now and again), it's all to easy to say: "They should just snap out of it!", "They should simply re-evaluate their lives and do something else!", "They should realise that there are people far worse off than they are!". The problem is, it's just not that simple! The fact of the matter is, the mind is incredibly complex and when depression takes hold, there is often no logic to it! Sufferers can end up seeing no future for themselves when the reality is that they have everything to live for - But they can't/won't be told. The lucky ones are aware of what is happening to them and manage to battle their way through it, but it's a daily battle that they have to fight for the rest of their lives. The unlucky ones do not understand what is happening to them and can end up taking their own life. Yes it is a tragic waste! - But there are no easy answers to it! (unfortunately! )
What ever has happened and whatever your view point a life is lost! Tragic for all concerned, his family have lost however the circumstances. Our sympathies.
If it was suicide then spare a thought for the poor guy driving the truck that hit him. Jeez what is he going through. Met him once and he was a very nice person.
Thanks for great post. Having previously struggled with depression I can relate. I'm one of those "mind over matter" people who tried endlessly saying to myself "get over it", "don't be so miserable, cheer up!" etc. But as you say it's really not that simple. You can't just change your state of mind when you are in a deep place. I managed to battle my way through my depression (I was diagnosed with severe depression) but I could never have done it without support from friends and therapy. Never underestimate the seriousness of mental health illness. Even the most resourceful peope in society can suffer. Anyone who thinks it's just a matter of waking up one morning and "deciding" not to be depressed or sad has absolutely no clue. I hope this wasn't the case for Nigel. The circumstances surrounding his death were tragic. RIP.
