A much-loved mum was tragically discovered ‘secreted’ in a hole on a coastal path after she took her own life, following worries over the cost of living.
After Lorna Bartlett went missing from her home in Bugle, Cornwall, a huge search party was launched when her son Arron discovered her parked car at Spit Beach, in February last year.
The 62-year-old’s body was found in the early hours of February 23, where she had “secreted herself” into a hole next to a coastal path, after overdosing on prescription drugs, an inquest heard.
Lorna’s partner, David Coon, spoke at the inquest and said she had been living with anxiety which had been getting worse, and was worried about money; specifically, her credit card limit and the rising cost of living.
At the time of her death, David said Lorna’s credit card bill stood at £6,000.
Stuart Richards, a volunteer Coastguard, also spoke at the inquest and was involved in the search.
In a statement he said Lorna’s body was discovered with lacerations on her hands and feet, suggesting she had been clawing at brambles.
The last time David heard from his partner, he said, was on February 20, after which he sent numerous texts but received no response.
After he spoke with Arron, they reported Lorna missing and went out to search for her. It was then that the son found her car.
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."
A statement was also read out on behalf of Arron, who described being left distraught by 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 then heard from 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.
Lorna had been deemed a “medium risk” of serious harm and it had been agreed to monitor her risk with a safety plan put in place.
Following her suicide, OSW admitted that communication with her GP could have been better and improvements have since been made, including hiring more staff.
Detective Constable Lucy Edwards told the coroner she did not know when Lorna had taken the overdose or why she crawled into the hole.
The investigation did not find any sign of third-party involvement and diaries found at her home documented her struggles and feelings of “hopelessness”.
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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