Beloved Mum Found Dead by Partner as Young Son Slept Nearby, Inquest Concludes Suicide

A young mother, Zoe Winstanley, was tragically found dead by her partner while their young son slept on a sofa in the living room, an inquest has heard. The 21-year-old was discovered at her home in Scholes, Wigan, leading the coroner to record a verdict of suicide.

Zoe’s partner, Bradley Marshall, went to her home after receiving a call from her asking him to collect their son. Upon arriving, he made the devastating discovery and quickly acted, carrying Zoe to the front garden and performing CPR. Neighbors on Kirklees Street rushed to assist, but despite their efforts and the intervention of paramedics, Zoe was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the inquest at Bolton Coroner’s Court, it was revealed that Zoe had struggled with “suicidal ideation” dating back to 2019 and had experienced post-natal depression following the birth of her son. The court heard that her relationship with Bradley had its ups and downs. The weekend before her death, Zoe reportedly told friends during a night out in Wigan that she had plans to take her own life, although she indicated it would not be immediate, told Manchester Evening News.

One friend recalled Zoe saying in a bar, “I am going to do it, it does not matter what you say or do, but just not yet, not any time soon.” Concerned, her friends kept in touch and checked on her in the following days. Zoe had a strong support network, but despite this, she tragically did not seek help in her final moments.

Zoe’s difficult childhood was also highlighted during the inquest. She had been placed in foster care in 2016 and tragically lost both of her parents in the years that followed. Her sister, Jessica King, gave an emotional tribute, describing Zoe as her closest companion. “We were one person. She lived with me until she got her own house. We went on holidays every year. We spoke every day,” Jessica said, emphasizing how close their bond was.

Jessica also expressed that there were no clear signs Zoe’s mental health had taken a turn for the worse, adding, “All she ever wanted was her own family. She wanted to be loved. She wore her heart on her sleeve and dealt with a lot very, very well.”

Bradley Marshall, in his statement, described Zoe as “loving and caring” and “the best mother ever to our son.” The cause of death was ruled as ligature strangulation, and Coroner Michael Pemberton concluded that there was sufficient evidence to determine that Zoe intended to take her own life. He acknowledged that Zoe had a strong support system but noted that she sometimes distanced herself from help, saying she was “busy” as a way to dismiss offers of support.

Pemberton offered his condolences, stating, “It is very clear to me that Zoe was a much-loved family member and friend.” After the inquest, Jessica King reflected on her sister’s life, saying, “She was happy-go-lucky and would do anything for anyone.”

Zoe’s tragic death has left a deep void in the lives of those who loved her, with her family and friends remembering her as a kind and caring individual who was adored by all.