Young mother’s mysterious death after life-changing experience

Mystery surrounds the death of a young Cornwall mother who tried to “turn her life around” amid her struggles with mental health and addiction, an inquest has heard. Kerry Ann Hambly, 34, was found dead by paramedics at her home in Helston on October 5, 2023, after her family raised concerns for her welfare after not hearing from her for several days.

An inquest held at Cornwall Coroner’s Court in Truro today (June 20) heard how Kerry’s last contact with her family was on October 2 when she spoke to her grandmother on the phone. Her mother had said she received a missed call from Kerry on October 3, but was unable to reach her when she called back.

When it was confirmed that no one from her workplace had seen her that week, social services were called and a paramedic visited Kerry’s property. It was heard that all the doors and windows at her home were locked, except for Kerry’s bedroom window, which was left slightly open.

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The paramedic managed to gain access through the window and found Kerry dead on her bed. It was said that it was clear that she had been dead for several days. When police went to the property, they found no signs of alcohol or drug paraphernalia or any third party involvement.

A post-mortem toxicology report found no evidence of illicit drugs or alcohol at a level that could have contributed to Kerry’s death. No cause of death could be found, so it was determined to be undetermined.

In a statement read on behalf of Kerry’s twin sister, Donna, she explained that Kerry struggled with her mental health, which led to an addiction to drugs and alcohol. However, in the six months before her death, Donna said her sister was “clean, sober and making plans for the future”.

She explained that Kerry has enjoyed taking part in visiting wildlife areas through a charity and is involved with Cornwall Neighborhoods for Change, who support her with her work. Donna said her sister was working hard to move forward with her life and connected with her work to gain new skills.

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Donna’s statement said: “Despite the struggles she faced, Kerry was tenacious, humorous, caring and creative, with a love of art and music. Cornwall Wildlife Trust sessions that helped her learn about nature and flowers. She hid many of her challenges and always put on a brave face, determined to move on and up with her life.”

The inquest also heard that although Kerry previously received support from the Cornwall Partnership Foundation Trust for her mental health, she was discharged from the service in 2022 after ceasing to engage. She was also helped by We Are With You, a drug and alcohol support service, and underwent treatment.

A statement read on behalf of the service said Kerry “showed a drive to salvage her illicit drug and alcohol abuse” and that “her pattern of substance abuse was often during trigger dates and difficult relationships, so so that they use substances to cope’. However, it was heard that she was constantly engaged in the service.

Closing the inquest, assistant coroner for Cornwall, Stephen Covell, said: “Over the years (Kerry) has had problems but he seemed to be in a relatively good place over the last six months and in the week or so before her death. the family didn’t know he was in trouble.

“He did not use alcohol or drugs in the months before his death and was in a good place about it. He also enjoyed taking part in visiting wildlife areas through a charity and was involved with and supported Cornwall Neighborhoods for Change.”

An open conclusion was recorded.

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