Young mum's mystery death after turning life around

Mystery surrounds the death of a young mum from Cornwall who had tried to "turn her life around" amidst struggles with her mental health and addiction, an inquest has heard. Kerry Ann Hambly, 34, was found deceased by paramedics at her home in Helston on October 5, 2023, after her family raised concerns for her welfare when they hadn't heard from her in 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 over the phone. Her mother had said she received a missed call from Kerry on October 3 but was unable to get through to her when she called her back.

When it was confirmed that no one at her place of work had seen her that week, a concern for welfare call was made and a paramedic attended Kerry's property. It was heard that all the doors and windows to her home were locked, except for Kerry's bedroom window, which was left slightly open.

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

A post-mortem toxicology report found no indication of illicit drugs or alcohol at a level which could have contributed to Kerry's death. No cause of death could be found so it was ruled as being unascertained.

In a statement read out on behalf of Kerry's twin sister, Donna, she explained that Kerry had struggled with her mental health, which led to a drug and alcohol addiction. However, in the six months before she died, Donna said her sister was "clean, sober and making plans for the future."

She explained that Kerry had been enjoying participating in visiting wildlife areas through a charity and that she was engaging with Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change who were supporting her with work. Donna said her sister was working hard to move forward with her life and that she had 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 for art and music. She was also practical, she was great at mechanics and also making things look nice. She got involved with Cornwall Wildlife Trust sessions which helped her learn about nature and flowers. She hid a lot of her challenges and she always put on a brave face, had determination to move onwards and upwards with her life."

The inquest also heard that while Kerry had previously received support from Cornwall Partnership Foundation Trust for her mental health, she was discharged from the service in 2022 after she stopped engaging. She had also been helped by We Are With You, a drug and alcohol support service, and had undergone treatment.

A statement read out on behalf of the service said that Kerry "showed a motivation to rescue her illicit drug and alcohol abuse" and that her "pattern of substance abuse was often during triggering dates and difficult relationships so she would use substances to cope". However, it was heard that she consistently engaged in the service.

In concluding the inquest, assistant coroner for Cornwall, Stephen Covell, said: "Over the years, [Kerry] had problems but seemed to be in a relatively good place over the last six months and in the week or so before her death. Her family wasn’t aware of her having any issues.

"She was not using alcohol or drugs in the months before her death and was in a good place in that respect. She was also enjoying participating in visiting wildlife areas through a charity and she was engaging with Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change and had received support from them."

An open conclusion was recorded.

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