A woman who lay dead in her flat for three years wrote “I’m starving” and “I can’t believe I’m surviving this long” in calendar and diary entries prior to her death, an inquest has heard. Laura Winham’s remains were found by her brother in Woking, Surrey, on May 24, 2021. Ms Winham, aged 41 when discovered, was found after loved ones raised concerns about her safety. The pathologist at Surrey Coroner’s Court stated her cause of death as ‘unascertained’. Extracts from her diary indicated she was running low on food and money. The inquest heard entries from September and October 2017, detailing her struggles with lack of food supplies and financial constraints. Details from her calendar also revealed a trail of dates crossed off until November 1, 2017, the point where entries ceased.
Ms Winham’s family, unable to maintain contact due to her mental health struggles, had respected her desire for no communication. They believed their approach was best for her well-being. Ms Winham’s brother and mother, concerned about her welfare, visited her flat where they made the distressing discovery. An extract from the inquest revealed the shock experienced by her family upon finding her “mummified and almost skeletal” body in the flat. Despite their efforts to connect with Ms Winham, contact ceased as her mental health deteriorated. The court heard that her sister last saw her in 2009, and messages via social media ended in 2014.
The inquest continues to inquire further into the circumstances surrounding Laura Winham’s tragic death. The extracts from her diary and calendar entries provided a glimpse into the challenges she faced in the years leading up to her passing. The emotional toll on her family was evident as they navigated trying to respect her wishes while grappling with concerns for her well-being. With the inquest ongoing, more details are expected to shed light on the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking discovery.