Senior RAF officer, 51, took his own life while under investigation for 'misconduct', inquest hears

By JOSHUA HAINING, NEWS REPORTER Published: 17:18, 27 July 2026 | Updated: 17:19, 27 July 2026 A former senior RAF officer took his own life while he was being investigated for 'misconduct', an inquest has heard. Russ Foster-Jones, 51, was found hanged in an Airbnb in June 2025 a year after a probe into his behaviour during his time in the RAF was launched. A complaint was made in April 2024 against the Group Captain, who was promoted to Provost Marshal of the RAF police force before he joined BAE Systems a year earlier.  Details of the allegations were not revealed during the inquest held at County Hall in Preston, Lancashire. In a statement read to the court, his widow Emma Foster-Jones said: 'He was a good man with a strong sense of duty. 'He was deeply affected by the suggestion that he had done something wrong.'   The couple married in 1997 and lived abroad together during his career with the RAF. Mr Foster-Jones was contacted by investigators at SBCC, an independent body responsible for investigating complaints made in the RAF in November 2024. Russ Foster-Jones, 51, took his own life in an Airbnb while under investigation for 'misconduct' during his time in the RAF During the probe, he was also interviewed under caution at Lancashire Police HQ in Hutton. Months later Mr Foster-Jones was told that the probe was almost complete, only to be suspended ahead of its conclusion. Mrs Foster-Jones said that her husband was concerned about the investigation and had sought help from his employer. He told a BAE psychotherapist that he was feeling depressed and anxious but ten sessions later said he didn't require any more help. On June 18, 2025, he sent out a timed text message to his friend telling them that he had taken his own life. Police went to the address and found Mr Foster-Jones alive who told them that he was feeling better and was no danger to himself. The next day, however, emergency services were called to an Airbnb in Churchtown, Lancashire, where they discovered he had taken his own life. Area coroner Emma Mather questioned the SBCC about the timescale involved and safeguarding procedures for Mr Foster-Jones. Recording a suicide conclusion, Ms Mather said although the investigation's management was 'flawed', it was impossible to say if that alone contributed to the decline in his mental health. For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support