A pregnant woman whose baby survived a 10-storey drop from a tower block may not have intended to kill herself, a coroner has found.
Emma Atkinson’s daughter was successfully delivered within half an hour of the fall at Shakespeare Towers, in the Burmantofts area of Leeds, on October 22 2024.
An inquest heard the mother-of-five, who was more than seven months pregnant, had gone to visit her father David Atkinson, who lived on the ninth floor.
Mr Atkinson, 38, told police that his daughter went into the living room of the flat, sat on the back of a chair and started smoking a cigarette in front of the window.
In a statement summarised at the inquest, he said she removed the safety catches on the window and opened it fully, so it was horizontal.
The inquest heard Mr Atkinson asked what she was doing and told her to shut the window because it was cold, but she told him “not to worry (as) she was just getting some fresh air”.
Shortly afterwards he heard Ms Atkinson say: “I’m off,” and saw her feet going out of the window.
The inquest heard he ran over and saw his daughter on the pavement below.
Detective Constable Emily Parnham said Ms Atkinson’s fall from the window at 10.20am was captured on CCTV, and she “did not appear to be distressed”.
The coroner heard how paramedics who arrived at the scene found that Ms Atkinson had not survived the fall, and all further treatment done was in the hope of saving the baby.
The child was delivered by an emergency Caesarean section after Ms Atkinson arrived at Leeds General Infirmary.
Ms Parnham said West Yorkshire Police’s investigation concluded there was no third party involvement in her death, and no suspicious circumstances.
Coroner Naomi McLoughlin said Ms Atkinson had struggled with her mental health in the past and was worried about possibly being sent to prison after missing a court appearance days before her death, over an allegation of shoplifting.
Her family, who attended the inquest, said she was “so excited” about the impending births of her daughter and grandson and “would never have left her kids”, adding that her “life revolved around her children”.
Ms McLoughlin said there was not enough evidence to say whether Ms Atkinson’s death was suicide or an accident, and recorded a narrative conclusion that said: “Emma Atkinson died from a self-inflicted act, but her probable intent cannot be ascertained either way.”
She said she was satisfied that Ms Atkinson had deliberately propelled herself out of the window, but added: “I have to consider the issue of her intent.
“I note the deliberate act of removing the safety catches from the window … and the manner of her falling, captured by the CCTV.”
The coroner said she balanced that with the fact that there were no concerns raised about her mental health in the weeks leading up to her death, and that she had been making plans to see family.
Ms McLoughlin said Ms Atkinson was “a much-loved woman by all who knew her”.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you
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