A young political campaigner posted a message on Facebook which said he didn’t have the strength to fight any more, shortly before he died after being struck by a train in Ipswich, an inquest heard.

Matthew Percy, 21, of Edmonton Close, died on the evening of April 21 after being struck by a train on the railway line near Hadleigh Road in Ipswich.

The inquest held at IP-City Centre in Ipswich yesterday heard that Matthew, who was a student at University Campus Suffolk, had been diagnosed on the autistic spectrum when he was seven years old, and had suffered from low mood before his death.

He had been in dialogue with health professionals over his depression since January, where he was on medication, and had begun counselling proceedings at the university, but a GP report said that he expressed “no thoughts of self harm.”

On the evening of his death, he had posted an emotional post on Facebook thanking those giving him opportunities in his life, but said that he didn’t have the strength to fight any more, the inquest heard.

Matthew had served on Martlesham Parish Council, and was due to take up a post with Kesgrave Town Council after being elected unopposed before his death. The keen labour party-supporter had also been campaigning for Labour candidate David Ellesmere in the run up to the elections.

Assistant coroner Nigel Parsley said: “This is a very tragic case. Matthew was obviously politically gifted, and determined enough, and courageous enough to pursue those ambitions despite the difficulties he suffered in relation to his autism.

“I do take the fact that the balance of his mind was disturbed, but it was clear that Matthew intended to be struck by the train,” and added that he offered his condolences to Matthew’s family.

Speaking after the inquest, Matthew’s sister Eva and mother Holly, said: “Our thoughts go out to the train driver and their family, and to the police, rail staff, paramedics, and anyone else involved that night.

“Thank you to all who are helping us through this difficult time, we miss Matthew very much.

“He will always be in our hearts and he will never be forgotten.”