Tragedy of much-loved Huddersfield mum after sudden death

A popular young woman died after battling drug addiction and mental health problems over a number of years.

Mum-of-two Lacie O'Brien, 36, was tragically found dead at home in Brockholes, Huddersfield, on October 22 last year, leaving family, colleagues and friends shocked and devastated.

An inquest into her death heard that Lacie had a long history of using illicit substances but had shown determination to get 'sober' in the early part of 2023. She had undergone detoxification from heroin and had been working at the John Smith's Stadium in Huddersfield where she was a popular member of the Huddersfield Giants staff.

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Lacie had received help and support from a number of organisations in Huddersfield in relation to issues around drugs and her mental health, the inquest hearing was told. Family members did not attend the hearing, which was held at the coroners' court in Bradford.

In a statement, Lacie's sister-in-law said that at the beginning of 2023 Lacie had started to drink alcohol and had been worried about a court case relating to her being abused when she was younger. She had been 'fretting' after the case had concluded.

Lacie had admitted to using heroin and on one occasion had a noticeable bump on her head. Lacie disclosed that she had been at a house in Moldgreen, Huddersfield, and had bought some diazepam. Someone at the house then asked Lacie to disclose the location of the drugs whereupon she was then hit over the head with a gun, the inquest was told.

The sister-in-law said she had found out that Lacie had been using drugs since June.

On October 21, Lacie had sent a message to her brother which prompted a 999 call to police. Sadly, Lacie was found dead on October 22.

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Detective Constable Matthew Sykes, who carried out an investigation, concluded that no-one else had been involved in Lacie's death. He said Lacey had faced a 'difficult life event' just days before she had been found.

Assistant coroner Ian Pears said Lacie had left several 'farewell notes'. He concluded that she had taken her own life. The cause of death was asphyxia due to hanging. A post-mortem examination found evidence of recent cocaine use.

In December Huddersfield Giants posted a tribute in memory of Lacie. The club said: "All at Huddersfield Giants and the John Smith’s Stadium would like to remember one of our own, Lacie O’Brien, who sadly passed away on Sunday 22 October 2023.

"Working on reception at the Stadium for a number of years, Lacie was a popular member of staff and a familiar face to all who worked here.

"Aged just 36, Lacie is survived by her two much loved young daughters, and the thoughts of all at the Club are with her family and loved ones at this sad time.

"Once a Giant, always a Giant."