Caroline Ann STAITE · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 18 March 2024 I commenced an investigation into the death of Caroline Ann STAITE. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 30 September 2024. The conclusion of the inquest was Suicide.

A member of public on his way home from work, called at 2339 hrs on 8/3/24 stating he was on the Old Bridge Hereford. They described a body with a backpack, dark clothes, and white trainers in the river and stated the river was flowing fast, that the body had now moved into darkness but was heading towards Victoria foot bridge.
Officers were deployed to speak with the informant and additional officers were dispatched to numerous locations along the River Wye. A female body was recovered near the Canary Bridge, Hereford and Paramedic ███████ pronounced the female deceased at 0241 hours on 9/3/24. The deceased was fully clothed. The deceased had no obvious injuries.
A ███████ contacted the Police saying his sister had not been seen for 24 hours. Her name was Caroline Ann STAITE born 2/6/72. The description matched that of the deceased and subsequent formal identification provided confirmation.

(1) The Neighbourhood Mental Health Team should ensure that their procedures are sufficiently robust regarding the sifting of patients for consideration by Mind.

(2) The procedure for the return of patients from Mind to the care of the Neighbourhood Mental Health Team should be transparent and encouraged if the Mind worker feels that is appropriate.

(3) If so requested by the Mind worker the patient should be returned to the care of the Neighbourhood Mental Health Team and the involvement of the Mind worker discontinued.