A WOMAN from Colwyn Bay died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning, an inquest heard.
Diane Mildred Morris, of Kennedy Court, Colwyn Bay, died on September 4, 2022 aged 61 in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan after being found unresponsive by police in her flat.
John Gittins, senior coroner for North Wales East and Central, reached a conclusion of suicide at a full inquest in Ruthin today (May 9).
A medical cause of death was ruled as carbon monoxide poisoning, with contributing heart disease and emphysema of the lung.
Ms Morris was born in Llandudno on June 18, 1961.
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She was a retired voluntary charity worker but had had several jobs over the years.
At the time of her death she was widowed and was suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, depression and personality disorder.
The inquest heard that from a young age, Ms Morris had suffered from mental health problems and had “made many attempts to take her own life”.
In her 20s, she had a short stay at a mental asylum in Denbigh, before meeting her husband and having children, during which time she was stable.
However, the loss of her son, sister, brother, father and a number of friends had a “massive” impact on her declining mental health.
In 1987, she began contact with mental health services and in actions of self-harm and had a long period of cannabis use.
At the start of September 2022, she was referred to mental health services by a GP, was on various anti-depressants and had suicidal thoughts.
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She was diagnosed with mixed personality disorder, which had “upset” her, and was referred for urgent duty assessment.
On September 4, police officers attended her flat in Colwyn Bay due to a concern for her safety, after a family member had tried to make contact with her.
Officers broke the window to gain access to the flat and found Ms Morris who was unresponsive.
Three disposable barbecues were found in her flat.
Ambulance services attended and Ms Morris was taken to the Emergency Department at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.
Despite resuscitation efforts and medication for a “believed overdose”, Ms Morris died.
A post-mortem examination found traces of codeine at a therapeutic level and carbon monoxide.
There were signs of lung emphysemas and considerable heart disease.
Mr Gittins said the cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning with contributing heart disease and lung emphysemas.
He added: “The significance of the heart disease could have resulted in a cardiac event at any time.
“There was a long history of self-harm, which in this instance would account for the carbon monoxide poisoning.
“This death was the result of a suicide.”
Addressing her family, he said: “My condolences on the loss of this lady. It seems to have been a long battle, but at least she has found some peace, and has done so in what would have been a peaceful manner.”
Anyone feeling at risk of self-harm can call the Samaritans' 24/7 emergency line on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
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