Community Mourns After Mother and Daughter Found Dead in Salford Home
The quiet neighborhood of Radford Street in Salford is reeling from a tragic loss after a mother, Martina Karos, 40, and her severely disabled 8-year-old daughter, Eleni Edwards, were found dead in their home. Greater Manchester Police have confirmed the deaths are not being treated as suspicious, but the heartbreaking discovery has left friends, family, and neighbors devastated.
Officers were called to the home on Monday morning, responding to a concern for welfare. Upon entering the house, the bodies of Martina and Eleni were discovered. Since then, tributes have flooded in for the mother-daughter duo, with those who knew them reflecting on the deep bond they shared.
One friend, clearly heartbroken, posted a touching tribute to Martina on Facebook: “I am so sorry for the pain you have suffered, some of which I can totally relate with. From the moment we met at the swimming pool, you became ‘Auntie Martina’. You did absolutely everything you could for your beautiful girl. You never gave up the fight, and to hear this devastating news today has absolutely broken me. I wish I could have been your shoulder to cry on. We love you so much.”
Martina was known for her unwavering devotion to Eleni, who suffered from Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy that caused her to have frequent seizures. A local fundraiser had been set up to provide specialized equipment for Eleni’s care, a testament to the challenges the family faced daily.
Neighbors, though they didn’t always see Martina often, knew her as a dedicated mother. One neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, described Martina as “a loving and devoted mother” who spent her days caring for Eleni. “Eleni was severely disabled and hugely dependent on her mum. She had a walking frame, and her mother would walk with her up and down the street,” the neighbor shared. The little girl attended a special school, where a bus would pick her up daily.
Another neighbor reflected on Martina’s private nature, noting that while she could be friendly, her moods could fluctuate. “She would talk to most people, but she was very up and down in her moods. Sometimes she would smile and say hello, and other times she would just blank you.”
The tragic discovery of their bodies was equally haunting for those who lived nearby. One neighbor recounted the moment police arrived: “A police van arrived outside the house with lights flashing. Then the fire brigade came and broke in at the back of the house. After that, the police came and asked us to go back inside.”
Police have reassured the public that no suspicious circumstances are involved, but a cordon remains in place while investigations continue. Detective Chief Inspector Charlotte Whalley emphasized the importance of understanding what led to this tragic outcome, stating, “It is such a tragic loss of life, and our main priority is keeping their loved ones updated throughout the investigation.”
As the investigation moves forward, the community continues to rally around Martina and Eleni’s family, offering support in this time of immense grief. The outpouring of flowers outside the home is a visible reminder of the love and support that surrounds the family in the wake of this tragedy.