The younger brother of Solomon Russell believes the retiree became restless after leaving his job as a deliveryman with NP which may have inadvertently led to his death.
Russell, 62, was found dead in a drain on Jamaica Boulevard, Federation Park, last Thursday morning.
Relatives said Russell lived in Cocorite but was known to take long walks away from home.
Speaking with Guardian Media at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, on Monday after identifying his body, Solomon’s brother Neville Russell said his job took him on long trips across Trinidad and he felt bored after retiring.
Russell said his brother’s behaviour changed after retirement. This coupled with the death of their sister, pushed him to take long walks away from home in a bid to keep himself active.
“He used to work every day. Wake up all 5 o’clock in the morning, go up to meet the truck, go back to NP all 6 in the afternoon. Sometimes around Christmas time, he used to work on a Sunday.
“He used to work, sleep and go back to work, but ever since he retired he was restless. He just wanted somewhere to go... sometimes he used to go for the whole day for a walk and come back,” the brother said.
While Russell says his brother walked with a backpack containing water to refresh himself on these walks, he referred to at least one incident where he lost consciousness and fell on the road.
One of his neighbours, he said recognised him on the street and helped.
Russell said his brother faced some mental strain and spent time at the St Anns Psychiatric Hospital for treatment.
He added that many people also faced similar problems when they tried to adjust to life outside of work and hoped more people would strike a better balance between their careers and their personal lives.
“Where I’m working now, I know a guy who retired and he’s still coming to work every day. Theres a lot of mental problems.”
Russell said it was not unusual for his brother to go on long walks, but relatives grew suspicious when he did not return home prompting them to call the police. —SHANE SUPERVILLE