THE death of a 32-year-old pharmaceutical manager last year was a “tragic suicide out of nowhere”, an inquest has heard. 

Francesca Marsh was found at her home in Marlow on November 12 last year and had been struggling to cope with the death of her father, Beaconsfield Coroner's Court heard on Tuesday, May 23.

Senior Coroner Crispin Butler said her death is “a very difficult thing to come to terms with” for her loved ones. She was found by her partner of 17 years David Birch inside their Buckinghamshire home.

Ms Marsh, who worked as a clinical trial manager for a pharmaceutical company, had recently lost her dad and started a new job, which involved managing drug trials and a team of people, a statement read at the inquest said.

She took the passing of her father “badly” and she began drinking, the inquest heard.
On the evening before her death, her partner said Ms Marsh “seemed fine and okay” although she had worked from home since she hadn’t slept well.

The couple ate some food, watched a Harry Potter film at home and talked about the “future and Christmas” and her plans to see her sister at the weekend.

When Mr Birch woke up the next morning, he came downstairs and discovered Ms Marsh. He called 999 but he “knew it was too late”.

When he checked her phone for “any clues”, he saw she had Googled mental health support but she hadn’t clicked on any of the links.

Her death “happened out of nowhere” as the couple were going to buy a house and go on holiday, his statement said.

Coroner Mr Butler described her death as a "tragedy out of the blue" and took in the context of historical self-harm and the approaching anniversary of family bereavement.

He said: “Fran undertook the decision to end her life, and that’s what she intended. It was when David was not there, and her death was inevitable.

Addressing the family, he said: “A young lady of who you must have many fond memories and it’s important you consider those. A sad, sad death."

The coroner recorded a verdict of suicide by hanging.

Samaritans helpline

Samaritan’s free 24/7 help and support can be found here if you or a loved one have been affected by the issues in this story.