Woodbury woman's accidental death: Inquest verdict

A SIXTY-seven-year-old woman from Woodbury suffered an unintentional overdose of medication and accidently killed herself, an inquest heard. Janet Margaret Forey, of Hereward, Cottles Lane, Woodbury, died on January 2 this year. An inquest held at Exeter

A SIXTY-seven-year-old woman from Woodbury suffered an unintentional overdose of medication and accidently killed herself, an inquest heard.

Janet Margaret Forey, of Hereward, Cottles Lane, Woodbury, died on January 2 this year.

An inquest held at Exeter County Hall last Monday, October 19, heard how Mrs Forey suffered from a number of health problems for a number of years and developed a dependence on medication.

Coroner, Dr Elizabeth Earland, told the court that on January 2, Mrs Forey's husband had walked downstairs to make a cup of tea, went back to the bedroom and found his wife dead.

The pensioner was a retired school librarian.

A statement read out detailed how Mrs Forey, who also experienced back pains, suffered a stroke in May 2003 and admitted to taking extra temazepam to help her sleep.

Mrs Earland, reading out a medical report, said: "She was a lady who had suffered severe low back pain and would take temazepam to help her sleep.

"It is highly unlikely she would have taken extra tablets to kill herself - only to control the pain."

In a statement by Mr Forey read out to the court, it said he suggested trying to control his wife's tablets which he joked: "She refused to put it politely."

A statement from a paramedic who attended the Woodbury home, said: "On examination there was nothing to make me think there was anything suspicious or the person had taken their own life."

Recording her verdict, Mrs Earland told the court: "I do not think there is sufficient evidence to suggest Mrs Forey took her own life although she did self-administer medication.

"I am satisfied she suffered an unintentional overdose and then collapsed. I record a verdict of accidental death.