Uncertainty over cause of death
AN inquest has been unable to establish the cause of death in connection with a former lecturer whose body was found at her home address in Widnes.
Linda Mary Large, 48, of Derby Road, was discovered after police forced entry following concerns raised by her friend Andrea Murray and sister Elaine Large, who had been unable to make contact the day after Linda’s birthday when they had visited in the evening to give her a car.
Her inquest at Warrington
Coroner’s Office on Monday heard she was identified by DNA analysis.
Dr Dilshad Shareef, pathologist, told the hearing that too much time had elapsed for her post-mortem to conclude any facts about her death as decomposition was too advanced.
Peter Sigee, assistant coroner for Cheshire, read medical evidence into the record.
These included statements from her general practitioner and a mental health nurse from North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust who had been in contact with Linda previously.
The inquest heard that Linda had struggled with health issues, her mental health, and had struggle with a drink problem, with a statement read to the court describing her as ‘an alcoholic’.
Sergeant Lee Connor, of
Widnes Local Policing Unit, told the hearing that the officer who had entered the property had needed to break the lock and that otherwise the property had been secure with no sign of third-party involvement or foul play.
Linda, who was divorced, was born in Liverpool and had worked as a social science lecturer until around 12 years ago.
Mr Sigee concluded that Linda died at her home address and recorded the date as May 9, 2019.
He said there was not sufficient evidence to know how Linda died and recorded a conclusion that her cause of death was ‘unascertainable’.
Anyone in need of support with any of the issues in this article can search online.
The NHS has a range of services available relating to mental health and alcohol online at www.nhs.uk.
Independent charities also offer support.
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