Tragedy as Leighton Hospital midwife, 25, found dead

The devastated family of a 'happy and smiley' midwife have led tributes to their loved-one after she died following a night out. Emily Hockenhull locked her boyfriend out of her Biddulph home after they argued following a night out in Congleton and sent him alarming texts.

He alerted Staffordshire Police and smashed his way into the Craigside property and found the 25-year-old Leighton Hospital midwife dead. An inquest yesterday delivered a misadventure verdict.

Dad Nigel Hockenhull told the inquest: “Emily was a warm, kind and loving soul who loved life and lived it. We think the decision to take her own life was a sporadic decision done in the moment. She was doing well and she had a brilliant circle of friends who adored her and she them. She had a good job and a supportive family.”

Sister Charlotte added: “Emily was happy and smiley."

The inquest heard text exchanges ended between Emily and her partner at 3.14am on December 3. Emily had passed away by 3.31am.

North Staffordshire assistant coroner Nicholas Walker has ruled Emily 'took her own life' in the 'heat of the moment'.

He said: “Emily had little time to think and understand her plans when she took her own life. I have to look at her background and intent.

"Emily was in a successful and demanding job. I understand she was anxious and this was partly because of her job, as many people are in their workplace.

“From her messages, Emily wasn’t someone who’d bottle things up and would be open with her friends. She seems like someone who would deal with things in a constructive manner. I’m satisfied in this case that if she had meant to take her life then she would have told her friends and family. This was not a toxic relationship.

“I am not satisfied that there was a second plan to take her own life. There was no note or contact with family or friends. I cannot say, on the balance of probabilities, that this was planned.

“I conclude this was a misadventure rather than suicide. The decision was made in the heat of the moment. It was clear that Emily was bright and happy.”

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