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Chef's Final Act: Pub Arson and Tragic Suicide
29 Jul
Summary
- Chef tragically died by suicide with a crossbow after setting fire to his pub.
- Inquest noted his feeling of being let down by a community mental health team.
- Personal struggles like a pet's death contributed to his declining mental health.
Hervé Louis Appert, 63, who was the landlord of the historic Chequers Inn in Wootton, near Bedford, died by suicide on September 19, 2025, after setting fire to the establishment. The inquest heard that Appert, originally from France, had a history of mental health difficulties, including bipolar disorder and a previous suicide attempt. His mental health had declined over several years, leading to the pub's closure in late 2024.
The coroner, Bina Patel, concluded that while Appert felt let down by a community mental health team due to a lack of follow-up, this was not the sole cause of his death. She indicated that a combination of personal issues had led to his deteriorating mental health.
Other personal struggles mentioned at the inquest included the death of a pet dog, electricity supply problems, and a dispute with a neighbour. The East London NHS Foundation Trust and Scottish Power were represented, with assurances that changes had been implemented since Appert's death. A friend received a poignant text message on the morning of his death.
Appert's final actions involved setting fire to the Chequers Inn and engaging in a standoff with police before taking his own life with a crossbow. He passed away in hospital two days later. Friends remembered him as a "fantastic" chef.
