The devastating impact of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing has claimed a 23rd victim, according to the family of Adam Regan-Brooks. He was 27 years old when he died in May, nine years after the attack.
Regan-Brooks had been walking towards the venue's foyer when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated explosives packed with shrapnel. While 22 people were killed in the immediate blast, primarily young fans of popstar Ariana Grande leaving her concert, Regan-Brooks, then a sixth-former, escaped physical injury. However, he was forced to navigate the horrific scene while assisting a distressed friend.
His family believes his mental health declined significantly in the aftermath of the attack. His sister, Hannah Brooks, stated that he would still be alive if not for the bombing and that "it's killed him too." She highlighted that while the 22 immediate victims are remembered, many survivors continue to grapple with lasting trauma, with some "not properly com[ing] home."
Before the bombing, Regan-Brooks was described as a lively teenager who enjoyed large gatherings, played multiple instruments, and was a fan of Ariana Grande. His attendance at the concert led him to be caught in one of Britain's worst terror attacks.
Following the blast, Regan-Brooks was deeply affected by what he witnessed. His sister recalled him saying, "I've got people on me," as he walked through the aftermath. In the weeks after the attack, he experienced significant distress, struggling to speak, eat, or leave his room, and reported repeatedly seeing the bomb blast in his mind. He began to drink heavily and left his job. He received approximately £10,000 in compensation, which he reportedly spent within months.
By the end of 2017, Regan-Brooks had spoken of suicide and was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He was admitted to a psychiatric hospital under the Mental Health Act, with his psychologist attributing his condition to the bombing. Over the subsequent years, he made several suicide attempts, and his sister expressed concerns about the availability of adequate therapy.
In April 2022, a suicide attempt resulted in him requiring extensive surgery and using a wheelchair. His husband, Michael, stated that Regan-Brooks suffered from survivor's guilt and often expressed a wish that he had stayed to help others. He urged those still affected by the bombing to seek help.