James Morrison’s estranged wife left a heartbreaking note to her family before her lifeless body was found, an inquest heard.
An inquest into the tragic death of James’ wife Gill Catchpole was conducted at Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court on Thursday, nearly half a year after her untimely passing. The 39-year-old singer tragically lost his wife earlier this year when he discovered the mother of his two children died inside their family home on January 5th.
According to the inquest conducted on Thursday (June 20) a worried friend noticed a note on the front door in the aftermath of their split. The Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court was informed that a friend had visited Gill’s home and found a handwritten note on A4 paper attached to the front door reading, “Don’t come in, call the police”.
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The worried friend had proceeded to the neighbouring property where the musician resided and James used keys to enter the property and found his former partner’s body. Emergency services were alerted, and Gill was declared dead at 9.37am.
Detective Sergeant David Kania, who led the investigation into the sudden death, dismissed any involvement of a third party. He said in a statement: “A friend of the deceased had attended when they saw a sheet of A4 sheet of paper with the words written, ‘Don’t come in, call the police’.
“The friend went to the house and raised the ex-partner, who located a set of keys to the annexe house where upon they entered and found the deceased. Upon entering the living room, I saw a series of handwritten notes on the lounge table which were addressed to the deceased’s ex-partner, family and friends.”
He continued: “There were no signs of a disturbance or third-party involvement. It has been relayed to me that close friends and family had indicated that Gill had been suffering with her mental health for the last year or so and since the split from her ex-partner. It is likely that this had a further negative detrimental impact on her mental health which culminated in her taking actions which led to her untimely death.”
(Image: Redferns)
In addition to this, a post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as ligature suspension. Toxicology tests also discovered an alcohol level of 190mg per 100ml of blood more than double the legal limit for driving.
The inquest was also informed that the toxicologist could not conclude “whether or not or the degree” to which the consumption of alcohol affected Gill’s mindset at the time of her passing. The court also heard Gill had battled kidney disease since 2008 and had previously undergone a kidney transplant.
Dr Emma Basker, Gill’s GP at the time, submitted a written statement revealing that she had also grappled with “reoccurring mental ill-health”. This had manifested as anxiety and PTSD, for which she was prescribed medication, counselling, and psychological therapy.
(Image: Facebook/ Gill Catchpole)
Gloucestershire area coroner Roland Wooderson has concluded that the death of Gill was a suicide. They stated: “It is quite clear to me that, sadly, at the relevant time Gill was in a difficult place mentally,” and “It is entirely clear to me that the contents of those notes indicate that Gill, unfortunately, was in a very difficult place at the time of her death.”
“Having reviewed the evidence I have, it seems to me sadly that the appropriate conclusion on the balance of probabilities I will record a conclusion of suicide.”
Gill’s family, which includes her mother, father, and step-father were present at the hearing and left without giving any statements. James, Gill’s husband, was not in attendance at the Thursday hearing.
(Image: Redferns via Getty Images)
The initial post-mortem report indicated that Gill’s cause of death for the mother of two was ligature suspension, with the coroner confirming that Gill had taken her own life. The inquest revealed that Gill was found by her husband James in their home on a Friday, after a friend, unable to enter the house, reached out to the award-winning singer.
Gill’s sudden passing came shortly after she sought a new home on social media, posting: “Looking for a house to rent in Whitminster ASAP. Please contact me if anyone knows or hears of anything. TIA.”
If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
