A Salisbury man who ‘set himself on fire in the street’ has died in hospital.
38-year-old James Hennessy sustained significant burns during an incident in Wilton Road, Salisbury, at around 10.30pm on Tuesday (18 March).
Emergency services, including Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance, raced to the scene as members of the public tried to help.
He was stabilised and taken to Salisbury District Hospital, where his family later made the decision to end life support.
Wiltshire Police has confirmed that Mr Hennessy has since passed away and a file is being prepared for the HM Coroner.
A source close to the deceased said that he had been “failed by mental health teams”.
Back in 2020, in an incident at Salisbury District Hospital, Mr Hennessy claimed he had doused himself in petrol and would set fire to himself – and burn anyone who came near.
Following an evacuation of the site, it was confirmed the liquid was not fuel and he was arrested. He was later charged and convicted of threatening behaviour.
Tributes
On social media, family and friends of Mr Hennessy have left public tributes. He was described as the ‘nicest funniest person’ and the ‘kindest soul’.
Michelle Day wrote: ‘Fly high James Hennessy! I will cherish every single memory we made. The laughs and the tears and there were many of both.
‘You truly were one of a kind. You had the kindest soul and would do anything to help a friend out. You will be missed by many, love you mate.’
Jamie Shord added: ‘Absolutely heart broken, You were one of the good ones bro!
‘I will cherish the memories of us growing up together in Bishopdown, getting chased around the estate playing manhunt and slam against the pavilion until early hours in the morning! Fly high James Hennessy! You’ll be missed by many my old mate x’.
Ryan Thornborough penned: ‘Fly high brother. Thank you for all the memories, especially when I was a nipper. You was loved by so many. Love you Henner!
‘Tell King Lenny that I’m still the king round here! Will never forget you my mate’.
Danny Dyer said: ‘Rest in piece my brother James Hennessy always loved by me you know that loved you so much’.
