Catrin Rhiannon Rees dies after an overdose, leading to organ failure. Her sister Bethan was by her side at the hospital.
An inquest was held about Catrin’s death. She died on February 22, 2023. Her aunt’s overdose deeply affected her, as she had died two decades earlier. Catrin was diagnosed with Asperger’s at 24. She lived in Merthyr Tydfil and worked as a dog groomer.
Her family shared some information. Depression is common for autistic people. The inquest occurred at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court. Catrin overdosed, leading to organ failure.
The coroner read statements from family and friends. Catrin’s mom, Sian Rees, described her daughter. She found her to be likeable and quirky, and the family was very close to each other.
Catrin was heartbroken by her aunt’s suicide. Her aunt died at 38 when Catrin was only 14 at that time.
Mrs. Rees told about Catrin’s Asperger’s diagnosis at 24. Catrin also had mental health issues and struggled at school around age 11. They did not know she was autistic and she should have been diagnosed earlier, but her family supported her, and she knew they were always there.
Bethan Rees, Catrin’s sister, made a statement. They were very close growing up and they had a calm, safe childhood home. Catrin loved animals and was a vegetarian.
Catrin was bullied at school. This made her mental health worse. At 18, she found comfort in Jamie Williams, and her sister said Catrin really found herself.
The press can attend inquests legally. They report details as open justice.
Journalists inform the public on the reasons for a death. They ensure deaths are not secret, and rumors surrounding a death can stop.
An inquest report can help prevent future deaths. Attending inquests holds the judicial system accountable.
Inquests start discussions on serious issues, such as mental health and suicide.
Editors ask reporters to reach out to families. Their stories help create a clearer picture and honor the person who has died.
Families can refuse press contact, and that is respected. The input of the family can save others; this has occurred during powerful media campaigns.
Without press at inquests, questions remain, and lives may be lost as a result.
Catrin was the “fun aunt” to her nieces. She would do anything with them. Medics told her sister Catrin would not survive. She stayed to care for her sister, something she had done since childhood.
Her sister spoke about Catrin in March 2023. She said she would not leave her side, and she held Catrin’s hand and hugged her.
Catrin had a teddy bear dog named Walkers. It was the color of Walkers crisps, and she got it when she was about three years old. It was with her in the hospital until the end.
Friends and family saw no immediate cause for concern. Catrin planned for the future.
Before her death, she had a date in Cardiff. She had alcohol on the date. Afterward, she could not remember the date well, and she felt anxious about this.
The next day, Catrin wrote a note, and she attempted to end her life. About 12 hours later, on February 20, 2023, she told her mother and she went to Prince Charles Hospital.
Dariusz Tetla, an anesthetist, gave written evidence. Catrin had liver damage due to the overdose. He moved her to a liver unit in Birmingham, but her condition worsened. She stayed in intensive care.
Catrin had cardiovascular instability. Medics tried CPR, but she worsened. Early on February 22, the family learned about her condition. They decided to withdraw treatment. Catrin passed away later that morning, and her sister was by her side.
Ms. Burge concluded the inquest. Catrin intended to take her own life, and the verdict was suicide.
She listed the cause of death. Multiple organ failure came first. Second, drug-induced liver failure occurred. Finally, there was a paracetamol overdose. She sent her condolences to Catrin’s family and said they had been through a lot as she supported Catrin well.