EMILY Atack was left saddened as she learned details of a family tragedy.
The popular TV star was left rocked when she heard the information on the BBC's Who Do You Think You Are?
Emily, 33, was informed of a tragedy that had struck her ancestors, in scenes that will air on the BBC One programme this week.
On the show, the actress was told that her great-great-grandfather had taken his own life after being unable to cope with his connection to a workplace accident three years prior.
In news that left Emily stunned, she was told that he was the same age as her when he passed.
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Joseph Atack was placed in charge of miners’ safety at South Yorkshire’s Nostell Colliery when a terrible incident occurred.
In 1886, a 36 year old man was killed on Joseph's watch when a piece of machinery used in the mines pulled him underneath the ground.
Ruled an 'accidental killing', it was concluded that the miner had placed his life at risk by jumping on the machinery.
However, it left Joseph devastated and he feared he would be charged with manslaughter over the death.
As per The Mirror, Joseph jumped into a river and drowned three years later.
Wiping away tears, Emily said: "Oh, my God. That is horrifically sad."
He left behind his wife, also named Emily, as well as five children.
Commenting on the circumstances, Emily added: "If you gave a signal and it cost someone their life, you would never get over something like that.
"He didn’t just lose his mind quickly – there’s sadness and depression, and anxiety and worry and panic.
"These feelings build and you’re trapped in them. There was no help back then.
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"I’ve struggled with mental health but I’ve had the help of therapists and doctors."
Emily will delve even deeper into her family tree this week and will discover she has an exciting connection down the line.
The Sun previously revealed that Emily will discover she has connections to the football club, Wrexham, currently owned by Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds.
