A woman described as 'truly brave' was found dead at her home after a history of 'suffering with mental health', an inquest has heard.

Elizabeth Braveheart was found dead at her home in George Moore Close, Oxford on July 27, 2024. 

A full inquest was held into the death of the Reading-born woman on Tuesday, December 10 at Oxford Coroner's Court by assistant coroner Joanna Coleman. 

The inquest heard that Ms Braveheart had had a history of suicide attempts and poor mental and physical health following abuse in childhood.

READ MORE: Man dies after suffering stroke near Oxfordshire home

Prior to her death, the 56-year-old was under the care of the The Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team (CRHTT), which provides urgent mental health support and home treatment for people experiencing a mental health crisis and aims to prevent hospital admission.

The factory assistant had been diagnosed with a number of mental health disorders including PTSD and depression and was on medication, the inquest heard.

The inquest also heard she had found mental health wards in the past to be "challenging" and "not very therapeutic" and lived alone with her young cat, Molly.

READ MORE: London Road Crossing petition gains significant momentum

(Image: Coroners Court) In the days leading up to her death, Ms Braveheart found out that some of the emergency mental health team members were leaving, which "raised feelings of abandonment".

The inquest heard that following this news Ms Braveheart had been in frequent contact with the crisis team and on July 26 a phone call was made by Ms Braveheart, which the inquest heard had "implied preparations to end life".

This was followed by multiple attempts to contact her, including a cold call.

The inquest heard on July 27, three more attempts were made to contact Ms Braveheart before a welfare check was requested.

Police officers attended the locked property, located in a block of flats, and upon arriving officers found a note on the door relating to the welfare of her cat, Molly.

READ MORE: Cherwell District Council begins preparations for relocation

Officers knocked, but she did not respond, so they forced entry and found her deceased with "no life-saving opportunities".

Shelley, her twin sister, said in a written statement read out to the court: "I am simply devastated – I have lost half of myself."

She said her sister had "so much patience" and was "truly brave". 

Shelley said Ms Braveheart had had a full book of her poems published, with all proceeds donated to Women’s Aid.

The inquest heard there were no signs of third party involvement in Ms Braveheart's passing and the cause of death was given as poisoning. 

Ms Coleman concluded that Ms Braveheart died by suicide after "suffering with mental health for many years".

  • Anyone can contact Samaritans free any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org

Help support trusted local news 

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber you will get:      

  • Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website   
  • Advert-light access       
  • Reader rewards       
  • Full access to our app