Open verdict for Whitbarrow Scar fall woman (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Open verdict for Whitbarrow Scar fall woman

10:15am Thursday 9th July 2009

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A CORONER has recorded an open verdict on the death of a woman who plunged 250ft from the top of a South Lakeland landmark.

Freda Gadstone, 57, of Lyndene Drive, Grange-over-Sands, died on February 24 of multiple injuries, particularly from significant head injuries, after falling from Whitbarrow Scar, an inquest has heard. Her body was discovered the following day.

Mrs Gadstone, who had suffered bouts of depression for more than 20 years, had told her doctor that she had previously walked to the top of the Scar with the intention of jumping, but had decided she had wanted to live.

Ian Smith, coroner for South and East Cumbria, said he did not have sufficient evidence to prove that Mrs Gadstone had committed suicide and said it was possible that she may have slipped.

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