Verwoerd: Gerry was 'under incredible pressure'
The partner of the late Gerry Ryan has told his inquest that the broadcaster was under incredible pressure and was seriously ill in the days before his death.
The RTE TV and radio presenter was found dead in his apartment on Leeson Street in Dublin last April having called in sick to work the night before.
His partner of twi years Melanie Verwoerd described Mr Ryan as a "showman" at today’s inquest.
But she said in reality the broadcaster was extremely unwell in the days before his death.
She said he was under enormous pressure financially and at work and was trying to finalise his separation with his wife.
She said the stress started to take its toll physically: he barely slept, suffered heart palpitations and began to feel breathless and dizzy.
When asked if he used cocaine Ms Verwoerd, who found the broadcasters’ body at his Leeson Street flat, said "absolutely not".
She said she had made it clear when they met that drugs were non-negotiable.
