Family desperate for answers about Truro mum found dead in river

The family of a young mother who lived for her children and whose body was found in a river four miles from her home are seeking answers about what happened. Natasha Birkin, who was known to loved ones as Tasha, was found in the River Fal on Roseland on February 8.

That morning the 35-year-old, who was described by her sister Sharna Birkin as a “lively character with a big heart” and the kind of person who would talk to and befriend anyone, left her home on Newham Road in Truro but never turned up at a friend’s house he was supposed to visit.

Sharna, speaking on behalf of the family, said her two children said she seemed happy and cheerful that morning, adding to the mystery of what happened. They said police investigated her sister’s untimely death but ruled out foul play, leaving several of their questions unanswered.

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Sharna said the discovery of her sister’s body at Ruan Lanihorne baffled everyone as it was not an area she was known to have ever visited. Now her family have launched an appeal in the hope of getting people’s memories of that February day across before an inquest into her death is scheduled for October 8.

In a Facebook post, she said: “We are looking for answers as to what led to her death. Please if anyone saw Tasha that day can you get in touch? Has anyone seen or spoken to her? I appreciate it was a few months ago but we are just looking for answers as there is now an investigation and we don’t think she was alone as this is very unethical of her.

“She would have been wearing a tracksuit and shoes. Any information please contact us as the family would greatly appreciate it.”

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She told CornwallLive: “Tasha was a very bubbly and outgoing character with a big heart. He would talk to anyone and always help others in need. She lived for her children, they were her world. He was a very family oriented person.

“Her interest was socializing with family and friends. She loved the beaches in Cornwall and often went with the children and when the family came down to see her she always took us to her favourite. She was a full-time mother at the time, but had previously done so. care work and was a support worker for vulnerable adults’.

They added: “Tasha has made a lot of friends that she considers family, she has the kind of personality that would leave a lasting impression.”

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Tasha was last seen around 11am in the Trelander area of ​​the city. He is believed to have visited a local shop before driving in the back lane past Penair School on the main road and heading towards Ruan. Her body was found in the estuary at around 9.30pm when the tide receded again.

Sharna added: “We’re not sure if she was single or not. It is very strange for her to go to that place considering she has never taken any family members or friends there. it was raining and bad weather, she also went out in slides and without a coat, which is unusual for her to go and sit outside in these conditions.

“The police believe there is no foul play, but we feel it was not thoroughly investigated as we, her family, found the phone in Tasha’s bag and car keys when the police only learned the location of the car and her body. All of this has been passed on to the police, who are now carrying out a download of her phone to see if they can find any answers there.”

Anyone who remembers seeing Tasha the day she died can contact Sharna on Facebook here or on her sister Emy’s page here.