A well-loved mum drowned in the bath just before she was due to finish packing for a holiday.
Helen Louise Dean, was found dead in the bath at her home in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, after being "incapacitated" by "excessive alcohol", Preston Coroner's Court heard.
After concerns were raised by other family members, one of Helen's sons went to her home on the morning of January 16, and found her in the bath, reports LancsLive.
Paramedics were called but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
A statement from Helen's son Joshua Jordan Dean, read by Assistant Coroner Laura Fox, said that his mum was in general good health.
The inquest heard Helen had been "profoundly intoxicated" at the time of her death, but Joshua said she had "no issues" with alcohol or drugs.
Joshua said that Helen enjoyed a glass or two of wine in the evenings, adding that they spent Christmas together as a family before her 60th birthday celebrations.
He added that her sister had spoken to her at 6.30pm and she'd told her she was about to have a bath and then finish packing for her holiday.
Joshua said that his mum never gave them the impression that she would take her own life, adding that she did sometimes say she felt a bit anxious following lockdown but it wasn't a cause for concern.
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Dr Jim Simpson, a consultant radiologist who carried out a CT scan after Helen's death, concluded the cause of death was drowning.
He said that she had a history of alcohol excess, in a statement, which he said was more likely what caused the decreased consciousness level and subsequent drowning.
Returning a conclusion of misadventure the coroner said: "It is clear to me that Helen was a well-loved woman who was looking forward to her holiday.
"On the afternoon of January 16 Mrs Dean had consumed a profound amount of alcohol which, alongside her use of codeine, may have enhanced some of the toxic effects of alcohol causing sedation and respiratory depression.
"She was incapacitated by excess alcohol and tragically her head entered the water and she drowned.
"She came by her death as a result of drowning in her bath following consumption of excess alcohol.
"She intended drinking the alcohol and having a bath but she didn't intend to take her own life."
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