Whitehaven mum died day after returning from family holiday - inquest

Joanne Wilson, 49, was found unresponsive by her husband, Grant, in their Hensingham home on August 23, 2022. The couple's daughter attempted to resuscitate her as they waited for an ambulance.

An inquest in Cockermouth heard the family had returned from a holiday in Gran Canaria.

"She's come home and died in her sleep," said coroner Dr Nicholas Shaw.

"Her last moments are hopefully happy memories of her holiday."

Mrs Wilson went to Jericho Primary School and later Whitehaven Secondary, where she enjoyed gymnastics. She was a member of Wyndham Pony Club when she was younger and enjoyed horse riding.

She trained as a hairdresser and spent some time working in Greece. She then worked in the Whitehaven travel agent, Going Places, with her mother, Margaret, the inquest heard.

She was not working at the time of her death.

The inquest heard a statement from Mrs Wilson's GP practice, Lowther Medical Centre.

She had various conditions for many years, including chronic pancreatitis and fibromyalgia, and had been on opiate medication 'for a long time'.

"Chronic pain was normal for her", said her daughter.

"She had a long, rough time with pancreatitis," said Dr Shaw.

"It's a very painful condition and you need strong painkillers. It's difficult to stop them and can be a long-standing problem trying to reduce medication."

The inquest heard Mrs Wilson had felt unwell for a couple of days before flying home and was sick on the journey.

She was in bed the following morning. Mr Wilson had taken her in some water, and then some tea and toast, although she was still sleeping. Forty minutes later he returned and found her unresponsive.

A toxicology report found 'elevated levels' of two drugs prescribed as painkillers. There was no alcohol in her system.

Dr Shaw explained that the post mortem "didn't find any obvious physical cause of death, in terms of a hemorrhage, ulcer or tumour".

Medical cause of death was given as 'excessive' use of two drugs.

"We do not know for certain if the use was excessive," said Dr Shaw.

"She may have been taking regular pills or extra ones. There's nothing to suggest anything suspicious."

He said there was absolutely no suggestion she intended to take her own life.

He gave the following verdict: "The post mortem did not reveal a very clear cause of death, most likely that excess dose of prescribed medication lead to respiratory depression and death." 

Dr Shaw offered his condolences to her family, saying: "She had been on holiday and I hope she enjoyed it, she's come home and died in her sleep. Her last moments are hopefully happy memories of her holiday."