An inquest into the death of a journalist who died after a collision with a train will focus on the mental health care he received in the days leading up to his death.

A pre-inquest review has revealed fresh details about Liverpool Echo journalist Dan Kay, who died in May 2023 aged 45.

The hearing was told Dan, pictured, had been receiving mental health care from Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust prior to his death.

Assistant Coroner Joseph Hart confirmed the care and treatment he received from the trust’s Liaison Psychiatry Team and Crisis Resolution Home Treatment will be explored at the inquest.

Dan’s GP and British Transport Police will be asked to provide witness statements and documents ahead of a full inquest, which is expected to be held in the second half of this year.

Addressing Dan’s family, Mr Hart said: “I am so sorry this has moved so slowly. It is frustrating and means that the very raw wound of losing a loved one cannot start to heal until we move to the inquest process.

“The intention is to ensure that when the matter moves to inquest it does so smoothly and means we can understand as much as we can about the events leading up to Dan’s death.”

Dan was a well-known campaigner on behalf of the families of Hillsborough disaster victims and led the Echo’s coverage of the fresh Hillsborough inquests, which concluded that those who died in the stadium tragedy on 15 April 1989 were unlawfully killed.

Speaking after the hearing, Dan’s cousin Amos Waldman told the Echo: “We are pleased that the coroner is including within his scope Dan’s mental health care in the community and the involvement of Mersey Care NHS Foundation in the days leading up to Dan’s death. We believe there are important issues to be explored.

“We are determined to raise awareness around mental health care and the treatment provided to people in need.”

Dan’s family is being represented through the inquest process by Leanne Devine, partner at law firm Leigh Day.

Ms Devine said: “The family urge Mersey Care NHS Trust to approach this inquest with transparency and comply with their duty of candour. The family trust the coroner will conduct a full and fearless inquest into Dan’s death, addressing their concerns.”

Dan worked on the Echo’s staff from 2003 to 2021, holding roles including deputy head of web, national news editor and live content editor for both news and sport.

A supporter of Liverpool Football Club, he was also a regular contributor to the Echo’s sports coverage.