A mum-of-one was found decomposing in her home 11 days after taking her own life.
Kelly Amos-Messenger married Nigel Messenger, from Litherland, in January 2001 but moved back to her home in the USA 18 years later with her daughter following their divorce. Her mental health began to suffer following the sudden death of her 38-year-old daughter Mandy twelve months later from kidney disease.
The 60-year-old had already been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and anxiety when she was younger. The mum-of-one, however, found belonging when the community of Mayfield, Kentucky, rallied together following a deadly tornado in December 2021.
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But sadly, on July 18 2022, Kelly's body was found, 11 days after taking her own life on July 7. Nigel, co-owner of a Litherland sandwich shop, told the ECHO how she had been left to decompose during that time. It was only when her dad became suspicious, after not hearing from her, that he rang emergency services who broke down the door of the house.
Nigel, after being left as the sole beneficiary in her will, is now trying to raise money in order to pay for the cleaning of the house, which has been left empty and uncleaned since she was found, and for an attorney to manage probate costing.
He said: "My sole goal is to cover the cost of the contamination cleaning. She made me the sole beneficiary in her will and I need to go back to the United States and make sure everything is in order. I have no idea when I will be able to get out there.
"My own finances are tied up until November and that's why I'm doing this. Once I get enough to pay for what I need doing I'll stop the GoFundMe."
Nigel, 56, first started speaking to Kelly in 2000 when she bought two comic books from him on eBay as he joked about an American buying American comics off him. After that, he began taking trips to see her and eventually she moved to the UK with Mandy. They married in January 2001.
He said that the realtor can't even get into the property to value the house that he bought for Kelly and Mandy in 2019 due to the bedding, mattress and bed needing to be disposed of safely, the fluids cleaned from the hardwood floor and odours removed with neighbours complaining about the smell.
To read more or donate to GoFundMe, click here.
Helplines and support groups
The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably (0800 58 58 58) is a leading movement against suicide. It runs a UK helpline and webchat from 5pm to midnight 365 days a year for anyone who has hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.
- PANDAS (0808 1961 776) runs a free helpline and offers a support service for people who may be suffering with perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (antenatal) and postnatal depression plus support for their family or network.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone who has been affected by a suicide. This includes dealing with police and coroners; helping with media enquiries; preparing for and attending an inquest and helping to access other, appropriate, local support services. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk for more details.
- Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text HOPE to 85258 to find relevant services near you.
- Young Persons Advisory Service – Providing mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: support@ypas.org.uk
- Paul's Place - providing free counselling and group sessions to anyone living in Merseyside who has lost a family member or friend to suicide. Tel: 0151 226 0696 or email: paulsplace@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk
The Martin Gallier Project - offering face to face support for individuals considering suicide and their families. Opening hours 9.30-16.30, 7 days a week. Tel: 0151 644 0294 email: triage@gallierhouse.co.uk
James' Place - supports men over 18 who are experiencing a suicidal crisis by providing quick access to therapy and support. Call 0151 303 5757 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm or visit https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/
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