A young man was tragically found deceased on Christmas Day after discovering his girlfriend’s lifeless body just weeks before, as revealed during an inquest.
Tom Dingle, a resident of Appley Bridge in West Lancashire, was reported missing on December 13. Lancashire Police initiated a search operation, leading to the discovery of his body by a dog walker in woodland in Dalton on December 25.
The inquest disclosed that Tom, aged 19, had come across his girlfriend’s body on November 20. The girlfriend, Natasha Braithwaite, originally from Lincoln and a first-year fine art student at Lancaster University, was found unresponsive in her room at Bowland College.
Friends remembered Natasha as a sweet and talented individual. The inquest detailed how Tom, also a student at the university, had arranged to meet Natasha the night before her passing, but fell asleep. Upon realizing he couldn’t reach her, he visited her residence where they found her unresponsive in bed.
Medical responders pronounced Natasha dead upon arrival, attributing her demise to post-traumatic stress and a lethal level of morphine in her system. The inquest confirmed that the morphine concentration in her body indicated possible heroin use.
Family statements described Natasha as excited about her university journey, with plans for the future and a budding relationship with Tom. Tom, in a statement to authorities, characterized Natasha as kind and outgoing.
The coroner’s verdict confirmed a drug-related death for Natasha and highlighted her positive traits. Tributes poured in for both Natasha and Tom, expressing sorrow and celebrating their lives.
The inquest into Tom’s death commenced in January, with a conclusive hearing scheduled for April. Family and university officials mourned Tom’s passing, emphasizing the impact on those who knew him.
