The investigation reported that a woman with a mental disorder was found dead at the site where her brother committed suicide more than 20 years ago. Carol Church, of Lister Green, Newport, was reported missing by her family on February 24, 2022.

Despite efforts to find her, the 54-year-old woman was not found until the next day near the Ask River in Caerleon. An inquest heard that Mrs. Church could not be revived and paramedics pronounced her dead at 3:30 pm.

Coroner Caroline Sanders recorded that Ms. Church had “a history of alcohol addiction and mental health issues”. In 2021, Ms. Church was referred to a primary care mental health specialist and evaluated. Mrs. Church described traumatic events in her life and “various options” for her to participate in psychological therapy were discussed, but the inquest heard that she did not proceed with this and later declined further involvement in psychiatric services.

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Mrs. Saunders recorded the medical cause of Mrs. Church as drowning. He gave an open opinion, saying the circumstances of her death or how he ended up in the water could not be established.

Mrs. Saunders said: “The autopsy confirmed that Carol had drowned. Her family said Carol died in the same place where her brother died, who committed suicide 20 years earlier. However, the inquest was unable to determine the circumstances of Carol’s death. of death, and I can’t find out if she took her own life. He offered his condolences to the family of Ms. Church.

Ms Church’s son Nicky Church spoke to WalesOnline in March calling for better access to mental health care. He said it is very difficult for families to get support on behalf of their loved ones who are struggling. Speaking at the time, he said: “I think when someone is struggling like this, their partners or family members should be listened to by professionals. I know there are protocols and rules, but we can’t even get past the receptionist, for example. talk to the doctor when we call the GP.

“I don’t know what the answer is to making things better for people who are struggling and their families, but someone needs to know. Someone should have an idea of ​​some kind of process to go through to deal with this kind of thing, especially when you have that initial concern. If we had more information at the time about places we could go, we would have found this source. Our two main ports of call have been the doctors and the police, and they can only take you so far.”

He described his mother as a “beautiful, wonderful” woman who loved her family. He added: “She loved her children and grandchildren. He also loved everyone’s children. He always distributed sweets and chocolates and took care of the neighborhood children. She was always doing something for someone and always ready to help, she would give you her last dime. She was like that.”

Samaritans confidential support can be contacted free of charge 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 116 123.

Source: Wales Online