UK coroner rules Nigerian mother’s death was suicide after inquest

A coroner in the United Kingdom has concluded that a 27-year-old Nigerian woman, Beatrice Solomon, died by suicide following an inquest into her death.

Beatrice, a mother of one, was found unresponsive at her home in Stoke-on-Trent on March 4, 2026, after her husband, Damian Michael Butler, returned home from work. Emergency responders were called to the scene, but she was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

During the inquest, police said there was no evidence of third-party involvement in her death.

Giving evidence, her husband told the court that Beatrice had experienced mental health difficulties over the previous year, which he linked to ongoing issues involving the local council. He also said he later became aware that she had previously attempted to take her own life.

A pathologist told the court that the cause of death was oxygen deprivation.

Delivering her conclusion, Coroner Li Hammond-Naylor ruled that Beatrice died by suicide, saying the evidence showed she had planned her actions. She extended her condolences to the deceased’s family and friends.

Beatrice, who worked as a carer, relocated from Nigeria to Stoke-on-Trent in November 2023. She is survived by her young son and siblings.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, reaching out to a trusted person or a mental health professional can help. If there is an immediate risk, contact your local emergency services or a crisis support service in your area as soon as possible.