A PUB landlady’s death came “out of the blue”, an inquest has heard.
Laura Cahill, 43, was found dead at the Boars Head in Kidderminster, just months before her wedding.
At an inquest held today (May 16), assistant coroner Sarah Murphy described her death as a “tragic incident”.
“My sincere condolences to the family,” she said.
“There was no way any of the family members could have predicted that this was going to happen.
“This came out of the blue.
“She was someone who had a great level of inner strength.
“It would appear that this was just a tragic incident that nobody could have foreseen.
“The fact that there are so many family members here today shows much she was loved.
“She would be very proud of her family who have attended today.
“I am truly sorry for your loss.”
A statement by Miss Cahill’s partner and fellow licensee of the Boars Head, Robert Wilson, was read out during the inquest.
It explained they had met seven years ago and started a relationship in 2018.
They were due to get married in September of this year.
On the day of her death (January 22, 2023), they had been out to have a drink and play dominoes at a social club.
They returned to the Boars Head, on Worcester Street, in the afternoon, with plans to have a duvet day.
“At about 6pm I was half asleep, I believe I saw Laura come into the room and say ‘I’m going to kill myself’.
“At 7:30pm I woke up and Laura had not joined me.”
Mr Wilson found Laura’s body and ran for help, with pub regulars John Lambert and Jack Shepard, who was working behind the bar, coming to assist.
“Rob came into the bar, silent but quite irritated and struggling to get his words out,” a statement from Mr Shepard said.
Mr Wilson’s statement added: “I have no idea why Laura took her life.
“Laura was an outgoing, bubbly, person who always put others first.”
He added they had planned to leave the pub come Easter, but due to her death, these plans have changed.
Ms Murphy ruled the death as suicide with Miss Cahill’s cause of death being asphyxia caused by hanging.
Gathered outside the court following the inquest, Miss Cahill’s family said she was loved by many and a very caring person, often calling others to check on how they were doing.
The Samaritans can be contacted 24 hours a day, free, on 116123.
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