Mother of 2 Found Dead in Bathroom After Doctor Failed to Assess Her Condition Correctly, Inquest Hears

An inquest has heard new evidence about the final days of a Somerset woman, shedding light on the challenges she faced and the professional assessments made before her death.

A 32-year-old mother took her own life while her children were at school after her general practitioner concluded she was not suicidal, an inquest has heard.

Amy Manning was found dead at her home on January 17, 2024, after her police officer partner, Sam Plumley, went to check on her. At Taunton Coroner's Court, Assistant Coroner Stephen Cavell said "it was clear she could not be saved" when she was discovered in her bedroom.

The inquest heard that Manning had been diagnosed with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) and had used alcohol and cocaine before her death.

The condition, also known as borderline personality disorder, involves difficulties regulating emotions, maintaining stable relationships, and controlling impulsive behavior.

Manning, a skilled hairdresser, was described as a good mother to her two children. However, her mental health declined during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Her family told the court the lockdown significantly impacted her mental well-being. She later sought an abortion, explaining she "did not feel able to raise the child" while under emotional and financial stress.

Plumley, who had been in an on-and-off relationship with Manning, described it as difficult in the months before her death.

He recalled, "She had started drinking a lot more alcohol and she appeared to seem more unwell and was struggling with her mental health. The relationship was on and off. I tried to distance myself a little while still offering support and being there for her."

Manning had been working with the Citizens' Advice Bureau to address financial difficulties. Plumley testified that he knew she owed money but did not know the details.

He said they exchanged text messages the night before her death while she was cutting a friend's hair, and he had no concerns for her welfare at that time.

The next day, after receiving no reply to his messages, he went to her home at around 12:30 p.m. Using his key, he entered and found her barricaded in the bedroom.

She had reportedly hanged herself. He called the ambulance service and recalled laying her on the bed and hugging her while waiting for emergency crews.

Paramedics did not attempt resuscitation, noting that there were clear signs the person had already died. She was declared dead at 1 p.m., six minutes after their arrival.

The court heard that Manning's GP recorded she had "chronic suicidal thoughts" but judged she was not actively suicidal because her children were seen as a reason for her to stay alive.

Susan Hawker, a psychiatric nurse with the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, testified about Manning's significant financial struggles, including unpaid rent and water bills.

Hawker also testified she did not believe Manning was suicidal and that she was shocked when she heard the news of her death. She told the court, "[Amy] was clear to me she wanted to look after her sons who were the protective factor."

The inquest also addressed allegations that Plumley had taken money from Manning's account. He admitted borrowing money on several occasions but said it was always repaid.

"If there was money from her account it was never not put back in, nothing was ever taken out without her knowledge," he mentioned. He denied borrowing money in the month before her death, saying, "No, I couldn't accurately answer that, I don't think so."

The court also heard that Manning's elder son gave a phone to the police, asking them to view messages exchanged between his mother and Plumley.

The police said they found "no conversations of major concern to explain why Amy took the actions she did. What was evident was a lack of trust."

Avon and Somerset Police found no suspicious circumstances and stated, "Nothing has been found that is sufficiently alarming that leads us to believe any criminal offence or anything undue was done by Sam."

In the months since her death, Manning's family has shared public tributes and organized fundraising in her name.

On July 26, 2025, her brother, James Michael, marked what would have been her thirty-fourth birthday with a touching Facebook message. He described her as a beloved sister and closest supporter, wrote that he misses her every day, and pledged to carry her memory forward.

Alongside the tribute, her loved ones have been raising money for Suicide Prevention UK since last year (2024). So far, £3,607 ($4,880) has been raised, surpassing the £2,000 ($2,700) target.

According to the family's fundraising page, they took part in the Jurassic Coast Ultra Half Challenge in May 2025 to support the charity. They noted that two relatives completed the quarter challenge in 2024 and held a charity quiz night, raising more than £7,000 ($9,480) with Gift Aid.

The page explains that Suicide Prevention UK relies on public donations and volunteers and is not funded by the NHS. It states that the organization supports anyone struggling with mental health and thoughts of suicide.

At the time the fundraising page was set up, the family said they planned to walk 42 kilometers in Manning's honor, with intentions to complete a 75-kilometer (46 miles) challenge in 2025 and then a 100-kilometer (62 miles) challenge.

They wrote that they cannot change what happened, but aim to honor her memory and raise awareness by continuing to fundraise.

Manning's death remains a profound loss for her family, who continue to honor her memory through public tributes and fundraising efforts aimed at supporting mental health and suicide prevention initiatives.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.