Double tragedy as young couple take their own lives

A young couple took their own lives just months apart, an inquest heard. Bethany Jade Parkinson was found dead in woodland in March this year, YorkshireLive reports.

The 27-year-old, who worked as an equestrian groomer, had been left feeling 'numb, sick and upset' at the sudden death of her partner in December last year. Bethany, of Ossett, Wakefield, had been referred to mental health specialists and given medication and treatment for a number of weeks by a 'crisis team' before being discharged and transferred back to the care of her GP.

An inquest in Wakefield was told that Bethany had also been upset because her horse, Diego, which she had looked after for 13 years, had been sick and was under the care of a vet. In a statement, Bethany's mum Michelle said her daughter was the eldest child of five and had gone on to study horse development at Huddersfield College. She had worked at horse yards and in a care home.

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Michelle said Bethany had told her in December 2023 that she had ended her relationship with her partner. Sadly, he had taken his own life later that month. Bethany had been 'completely devastated' by this, said Michelle.

In January Bethany's horse had been seen by a vet and was being given treatment. She had had Diego since he was 13 and it was 'like her child', said Michelle.

During this time Bethany had been referred to a mental health crisis team and had seemed to improve.

The inquest heard from a mental health manager who said Bethany had been referred to a 'crisis' team in January 2024 by her GP. She was said to be worried that her horse was going to be put down and had been affected by the death of her partner two weeks earlier. In January Bethany reported she had not eaten anything for 10 days and was having 'dark thoughts'.

Bethany was said to be feeling 'overwhelming grief' over the death of her partner and had also been facing some issues at work. Mental health medics reported that Bethany had responded well to treatment and her suicidal thoughts were said to be 'fleeting'.

She was discharged by the crisis team in February 22 and had spoken about how she was feeling that she had 'come a long way' during the treatment and was said to be positive about the future. She had also spoken about her horse's rehabilitation.

Tragically, Bethany was found dead in woodland in Ossett on March 20, 2024. The cause of death was hanging.

Assistant coroner Naomi McLoughlin said Bethany had a history of suicidal thoughts following the death of her partner in 2023. She said a 'note of intention' had been found in Bethany's car. Ms McLoughlin recorded that Bethany had died as a result of suicide.

Friends paid tribute to Bethany on social media earlier this year, calling her a 'beautiful lady' who had been loved by so many. She was praised for her 'natural horsemanship', her compassion and for being a "beautiful, caring young lady."