Imogen Amesbury: Ex-Taunton student took her own life

Taunton-born Imogen Amesbury, known affectionately by family and friends as "Imo" and "Nemo", who was living with family in Lyme Regis, Dorset, died on January 12, 2022.

Her inquest took place today (Thursday, August 27) in Bournemouth Coroner’s Court, heard before coroner Rachael Griffin.

It was heard in court that Imo, a former Queen's College student described as "vibrant", "gentle", "warm-hearted", and "courageous", was only 21 years old and "had her whole life ahead of her".

Mrs Griffin said: “She has been described so affectionately by her family and friends.

“She was a vibrant, intelligent, determined, beautiful young lady, and I thank her family for giving me the insight today into the Imo they knew.

“It would seem she lived her life to the very fullest she could; she worked hard at school, achieving greatly, particularly at art.”

Imogen's mother's favourite photo of her. (Image: Marie Amesbury)

It was heard that Imo was talented at horse riding and talented at sports at school, specifically athletics, alongside academics.

Despite this, it was heard in court that Imo was "troubled" and struggled with her mental health and first presented to mental health professionals in 2019.

Mrs Griffin said Imo suffered from anxiety, was not receiving treatment, and that her mental health had "significantly deteriorated" from 2021 onwards.

She said that there were times Imo experienced difficulties with her former partner at the time and this was worsened by recreational use of cocaine and alcohol.

Mrs Griffin said: “It was also clear that she was someone who, despite these troubles, maintained capacity.”

She said Imo received inpatient treatment and interactions with professionals and would "disengage" and then return to her relationship, where she "encountered difficulties".

The inquest heard Imo had a "fear of abandonment" and felt overwhelmed about her future.

It was heard that when the relationship went wrong, Imo would feel "vulnerable" and would "resort to risky behaviours".

Mrs Griffin said it was accepted by Imo’s former partner, who presented evidence in court, that the relationship was "up and down" but that they were always drawn back to each other.

On January 11, into the early hours of January 12, Imo spent time with her partner, "enjoyed each other’s company" and she was in "good spirits".

Mrs Griffin said: “It appears at some point there was a shift in respect to the mood of the evening, which arose from discussions about another individual.

“I accept as a consequence of that, Imo became sad, distressed and upset.

“I am satisfied there was a disagreement which left Imo alone at the house.”

In the early hours of January 12, 2022, it is known that Imo had been in contact with a number of people up until 5.23am who described her as "distraught, upset, and crying".

One friend said she didn’t like being at home, and wanted to be back on the superyachts she formerly worked on as a stewardess, she was lonely and had a low mood.

It was heard she appeared to be having a panic attack on call and shared her wishes to die with friends.

The coroner said all were worried about Imo, but none sought help as they did not believe she would act on her thoughts.

She said: “I don’t believe, even if they sought help, very sadly it would have made a difference.”

Her last contact occurred between 5.21am and 5.23am with her former partner, who she spent the evening with, and she said she wanted to kill herself before hanging up.

Mrs Griffin said: “I don’t know what happened after that call ended at 5.23am because sadly the only person who can tell me what did happen is Imo herself.”

She concluded that Imo died shortly after the final call.

The inquest heard her mother found her later that day, called emergency services, and paramedics confirmed Imo had died at 1.58pm.

Mrs Griffin recorded a conclusion of suicide.

She said: “It has been clear how much Imo achieved in her short life, which was taken too soon, and the legacy she leaves and the impact she has had on so many lives and for your loss and the circumstances of your loss, I am so very sorry.”

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here to listen – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.