John Balson worked on the programme In the Footsteps of Killers (Picture: Lewis Whyld/PA)
Channel 4 has ordered an independent investigation after a producer who worked on a true crime series took his own life.
John Balson, who worked on the programme In the Footsteps of Killers, died on May 17 this year.
Balson, who worked on the series in the first four months of the year while his wife was pregnant with their second child, reportedly received threats from someone linked to an individual that he was researching for the show.
After a family declined to take part in the docu-series, his wife claimed that he felt as though production blamed him for their decision.
Deadline outlined that they had spoken to Balson’s family, who wanted to highlight the dangers of overworking in factual TV.
The charity Samaritans stresses that ‘suicide is extremely complex and most of the time there is no single event or factor that leads someone to take their own life’.
Balson was said to have experienced exhaustion, developed severe physical symptoms linked to a health condition called vestibular migraine disorder, and been suffering in his mental health.
On a fundraising page set up for Balson, it states: ‘John was a hard-working professional and was 100% healthy up until eight weeks ago, when he stood up at work one day and became instantly dizzy.
‘The condition quickly worsened causing him constant dizziness, migraines, insomnia and pain 24 hours a day, seven days a week.’
The GoFundMe page explained that Balson ‘left his job due to illness’, seeking out an array of medical treatments including appointments with neurologists, psychiatrists and therapists.
His family said that he described his pain as ‘the cruelest punishment I could have imagined’. They wrote: ‘Ultimately, unable to escape this severe brain condition, and suffering from chronic panic disorder and insomnia, he passed away alone, without anyone by his side.’
A statement from Channel 4 sent to Metro.co.uk reads: ‘Channel 4 was deeply saddened by the news of John’s death, and our thoughts are with his wife and family at this incredibly difficult time.
‘John was a highly respected and much-loved professional – both amongst his colleagues at Alaska TV and those who worked with him across the industry – and will be sorely missed.
‘We are in ongoing contact with John’s family and offering them our support. We are also in a dialogue with [the union] BECTU and have engaged an external law firm to undertake a thorough investigation, which will be as swift as circumstances allow. We will take whatever action is appropriate in response to its findings.’
The statement continues: ‘While we do not employ production staff directly, the wellbeing of all those working on the productions we commission is vitally important and is something we take very seriously.
‘We are committed to supporting our production partners in ensuring those productions are safe and professional workplaces, with safeguarding measures in place. Our Supplier Code of Conduct outlines our commitments and is well communicated to all production companies we work with.’
According to Deadline, Alaska TV, the producer behind In the Footsteps of Killers, declined to comment further beyond a statement, due to the investigation.
The company’s statement sent to Metro.co.uk reads: ‘It was with great sadness that we learned of John’s passing – an extremely talented and thoughtful Director, he will be hugely missed by us all.
‘The wellbeing of our all staff is of paramount importance, and whilst we’re unable to comment further given the investigation with Channel 4, our thoughts and love are with John’s family and friends at this very difficult time.’
Deadline claimed that Alaska TV declined to comment on whether they knew Balson was suffering in his health when he stopped working a month before his death.
The publication also alleged that Alaska TV declined to answer several of their questions, and said that they had never received a complaint like this before.
A spokesperson added to the outlet that colleagues have access to ‘support resources including a specialist TV production psychologist, recommended Screenskills courses (including on mental health), and help and guidance from industry bodies including the Film and TV Charity’.
On the fundraiser, which was set up by Balson’s best friend Joe and has a target of £80,000, it says that it was set up ‘to support John’s daughters and wife. We would like his family to use the money however they see fit, whether it be for the memorial, to assist with any unexpected financial expenses arising from the death or help with his daughters’ futures’.
‘We feel terribly let down by the health care system and were left to deal with this alone even though all the experts were told how dark his thoughts had become. In the future, we will all be more active in fighting for change,’ it states.
‘Our world has been completely shattered in the space of eight weeks and those sweet girls will never have the chance to know what a kind, funny and brave man John was.’
Metro.co.uk has also contacted Alaska TV for comment.
Need support?
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
If you’re a young person, or concerned about a young person, you can also contact PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK. Their HOPELINK digital support platform is open 24/7, or you can call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org between the hours of 9am and midnight.