Mystery of tragic death of woman found by her ex
MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES
A WOMAN who “enjoyed a busy life and socialising” was tragically found dead at her home after she had not been heard from for four days.
Lesley Carter, 33, of North Frodingham in East Yorkshire, was discovered by her ex-husband after he became worried for her welfare, but a postmortem has since been unable to determine how she died.
The Thornwick Bay Holiday Village employee suffered from depression, but was “upbeat and making plans” days before her death, after recently winning a holiday in a competion.
Sadly, she was pronounced dead by a paramedic on September 3, last year, after friends had last spoken to her on August 28 and she was last seen the day after at work.
A public inquest held at Hull Coroners’ Court heard that Mrs Carter split from her husband more than two years, but that the pair were still close, and that she had an active social life.
She suffered with depression and was taking medication, and her former p artner also believed that she had sleep apnea as she used to stop breathing for four to five seconds in the night.
A friend of 16 years gave evidence that he and Mrs Carter were “the very best of friends” and said believed she had depression because she had a “hard life” and was adopted and fell out with her adopted parents.
She made contact with her biological parents, but that relationship also broke down, as did her marriage.
Her friend said that Lesley had mentioned suicide to friends on a number of occasions, but he encouraged her to see a doctor and was aware that she had taken some medication.
The court heard that Mrs Carter was last seen by her manager at Thornwick Bay Holiday Village at the her end of shift at 10pm on August 29, but “Lesley left, but did not say goodbye, which was unusual”.
She failed to attend shift next day and her manager tried to contact but did not receive a response.
The former partner of Mrs Carter also gave evidence that the pair met more than 14 years ago and moved in together within three weeks after they “hit it off”, but that they separated more than two years ago.
Mr Carter said that the pair remained amicable and he would bring her shopping on his way home and they would be in contact every few weeks.
He said Lesley always struggled with her mental health and could have mood swings and this got worse when he moved out.
He wondered if she suffered from undiagnosed sleep apnea as she used to stop breathing for four to five seconds in the night.
He said Mrs Carter enjoyed a busy life, working and socialising and was “always out and about”.
However, following the split, she spent more time inside.
The last time Mr Carter saw her before her death was more than two weeks ago and he said Mrs Carter “was in a good mood, doing OK, enjoying work and had won a holiday and was going to a concert”.
After he was messaged by friends concerned that they had not heard from Lesley, Mr Carter went to her home on September 3 and tried to rouse her from bed, but sadly knew she was dead, which was then confirmed by a paramedic after he called for an ambulance.
Pathologist Dr Ian Richmond conducted postmortem and said no drugs or alcohol found and could not ascertain Mrs Carter’s cause of death.
Assistant coroner Lorraine Harris gave an open conclusion.
She said: “Lesley had a history of depression, but I have no evidence to suggest she chose to end her life and all accounts seem to be that she was upbeat and making plans.
“There is no toxicological evidence to show any form of overdose, nor is there any self harm.
“Following the postmortem, I am unable to ascertain if there was any natural cause of death.
“I am content that there is no evidence of suicide or any form of violence, but the death is unascertained”.
Lesley had a history of depression, but I have no evidence to suggest she chose to end her life
Dr Ian Richmond