A much-loved mum has been found dead after reportedly taking her own life over cost of living fears. Lorna Bartlett, 62, disappeared from her home in Bugle, Cornwall, last year sparking a massive search operation.
Her body was found on February, 23, 2022, after her son discovered her car which was parked at Spit Beach. An inquest was told that the mum had “secreted herself” into a hole next to a coastal path, after overdosing on prescription drugs.
Lorna’s partner, David Coon, told the court that her anxiety over money had been getting worse in the months leading up to her death. The Mirror reports that she had become increasingly worried about the cost of living and her credit card limit.
At the time of her death, her credit card debt had ballooned to £6,000. Reflecting on the tragic death, David said a few things now stood out in the time leading up to her suicide, including cancelling her National Trust membership and asking a friend to rehome one of her dogs.
David said: "Lorna suffered with anxiety and depression. She kept ringing the doctors but could never get an appointment. She was referred to the mental health team but it was all online. She was worried about having to return to work at the care home."
Arron expressed his distraught at the events, adding that he still did not understand it. He said there were not any warning signs that stood out as such, but that he was aware of his mother's concerns about going back to work at a care home after a long time signed off sick.
Both he and two of his brothers said they had offered to contribute money to help her.
The inquest also heard from Stuart Richards, a volunteer Coastguard, who said that Lorna’s body was discovered with lacerations on her hands and feet, suggesting she had been clawing at brambles.
Lorna had previously been deemed a “medium risk” of serious harm and it had been agreed to monitor her risk with a safety plan put in place. Jenny Facey from Outlook South West (OSW) who confirmed that Lorna had been involved with the service over the years and in the lead-up to her death.
Following her suicide, OSW admitted that communication with her GP could have been better and improvements have since been made, including hiring more staff.
Concluding the inquest, CornwallLive reported senior coroner for Cornwall Andrew Cox said: "Lorna had a history of anxiety. Outlook South West had talking therapies with her but it never progressed to her being referred to the next step.
"It is clear from conversations with her partner Lorna entertained thoughts of suicide. I'm not sure what the trigger behind these events was but it seems clear that she went to Spit Beach, left her car there and having parked there - either shortly before or after - took a considerable overdose.
“She walked along the coast path alongside Carlyon Bay Golf Club and seems to have got into a hole next to the pathway. I'm not quite sure the reason. It may have been because she didn't want to be found. The police tell me there is no evidence of any third-party involvement."
Mr Cox recorded a conclusion of suicide and expressed his deepest sympathy to Lorna's friends and family.
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