Mother Seeks Answers After Daughter’s Tragic Death From Overdose

Semina loved dancing and singing, her mom said. Covid lockdowns and school changed everything. She faced bullying and alleged sexual abuse.

Rachel remembers Semina fondly, almost four years after her death. Semina was twelve. Rachel recalled Semina’s loving upbringing; Semina loved ballet, tap, and horse riding. She had singing lessons and school activities.

Rachel said Semina played Mary in the Nativity three times. Everyone loved her. She had good friends and was happy pre-Covid. Covid changed everything.

Semina moved to Stanley High School from St Patrick’s in 2020. Inquest testimony revealed she suffered bullying. This harassment followed alleged sexual abuse in 2021.

Semina told her mom about the alleged rape in March 2021. It happened in January. She showed a video of an attack. Other children, not from Stanley High, attacked her. Rachel reported these issues to the police.

Semina overdosed on prescription drugs. Rachel testified the police acted “unprofessionally.” They told Semina a trial could take years. Also, the police said it was “her word against his.”

The coroner said officers might seem uncaring. She said there was no actual police misconduct. An officer said he explained potential case problems; he noted no witnesses existed for those events.

Semina was to give a video interview about the alleged rape. The police came to her home the night before. Around midnight, Semina said she “had enough.” She made videos and showed empty pill packs.

Her brother found her. She seemed fine talking to him. When he saw the missing pills, he called an ambulance.

Rachel overheard a paramedic’s radio call. Semina needed urgent transport to Alder Hey hospital.

Semina’s body began to fail over three days. Doctors said her organs would fail. They said she would have a heart attack. Rachel was shocked and heartbroken.

Alder Hey tried everything to save Semina. Her brain functioned, even as her body died. Semina had three heart attacks in the hospital. Her fourth heart attack was fatal. It happened on June 9, 2021.

After the inquest, Rachel felt dissatisfied. She thinks the involved agencies failed Semina. She thinks they haven’t admitted it.

The coroner did not engage Article 2. This concerns the “right to life.” This involves state bodies possibly failing to protect someone.

Semina was referred to CAMHS in 2018 for self-harm. These were labelled “superficial.” Mental health services helped until Covid-19. Phone appointments then were missed.

She went to CAMHS again in 2020 for further self-harm reports. Autism was diagnosed in 2021. Social Services and Stanley High also helped. The coroner cited the combination of issues.

The coroner said the situation was very unusual. Article 2 was not engaged. No agency knew of a “real and immediate risk” to Semina. Therefore, her death was not preventable by the state. Any found shortcomings were speculative.

The coroner made no prevention of future deaths report. She reviewed reports from involved agencies. She felt a report wasn’t needed in this tragedy.

The coroner gave a short summary. Semina had a hard life. Her death resulted from a drug overdose. She took her mother’s medicine while distressed. Her intent was unknown.

Since Semina’s death, Rachel feels unable to grieve. Something new happens daily. Each day brings another fight.

Rachel wants “answers” from the agencies involved. She wants changes made. If it saves one child, it’s worth it. She does not want another child to suffer.

The inquest rejected claims about Stanley High, Sefton Council, and others. These entities did not foresee a “real and immediate risk of death”.

Merseyside Police issued a statement. The coroner said Semina had a complex history. Her death came from a medication overdose while upset. Her intent was unknown at that time. Police did not systemically breach process. Authorities could not have stopped Semina’s overdose death. The police offered condolences to Semina’s family. They understand their suffering.