Woman, 30, died from drug overdose, inquest told

Melissa-Maree Burks, was found on her bed at her home in Tusser Close, Rivenhall, on December 4 last year.

A post-mortem examination later revealed the cause of death was a drug overdose.

Police and paramedics attended the scene and officers later confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances or third party involvement.

Det Insp Fraser Lowe, of Essex Police, told the inquest three notes were found around the house – a diary next to her body on the bed, one addressed to a family member and one to whoever found it.

Essex Coroner’s Court heard the 30-year-old had only moved back to Essex from Suffolk in the days leading up to her death.

The court heard how she had been receiving treatment for her mental health, but her mother told the court she believed the overdose was a “cry for help”.

Lynn Williams, of the Essex Partnership University NHS Trust, said the trust had been due to visit Melissa on the day of her death.

She said if the trust had received more details about Melissa’s situation and it had received the information sooner from its Suffolk counterparts after she relocated to Rivenhall, her case may have been given a higher priority.

Ms Williams said that in light of Melissa’s death, those who answer calls for the trust had been given instructions to obtain more information about patients.

Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray said there was insufficient evidence to record a suicide verdict.

“I have considered suicide and to record that I would have to be satisfied that she formed the intention, taking a deliberate action, knowing it would result in her death and I have decided there is not sufficient evidence,” she said.

“I must also consider whether it was an accident. Was she playing around and it all went wrong? I am not going to record an accident.

“What I am going to record is what is called an open conclusion. We’ll never quite know what was going on in her head. She clearly was much-loved.”