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Investigation and inquest
On the 9th September 2013 I commenced an investigation into the death of Victoria Meppen-Walter then aged 44 years of ████████ Greater Manchester. The investigation was concluded at the end of the inquest on the 11th February 2014.
The conclusion of the inquest was that the deceased had taken her own life.
The medical cause of death being 1a) Chloroquine Toxicity
Circumstances of the death
In September 2011, the deceased underwent a dermatological procedure at a private hospital. Immediately thereafter, she complained of having been left with constant unbearable nerve pain, ‘pins and needles’ to her face/upper body and to her mind, unsightly scarring.
She lost confidence and became reclusive. The outcome of the surgery had a profound impact upon her mental health (which had previously been unremarkable). There was ongoing decline in Mrs Meppen-Walter was subsequently diagnosed as suffering from an adjustment disorder with depressive symptoms and somatoform pain disorder. She was offered counselling but did not engage.
In 2012 she started researching assisted suicide and contacted organisations – both in the UK and abroad.
On the 30th September 2013 the deceased’s husband had not seen his wife for a couple of days. Whilst the couple did not see each other daily, such was their lifestyle, ████████ felt that not having seen his wife for 2 days was unusual. He went to her bedroom whereupon he found personal typed notes alluding to the possibility that the deceased had decided to travel abroad for assisted suicide.
The police were contacted and an investigation commenced.
On the 1st September 2013, Mrs Meppen Walter was found deceased in the locked front living room of the family’s home, with a ‘do not resuscitate’ note and a bowl with white powder residue close by.
A post mortem examination was carried out and the medical cause of death given as above.
It is unclear how the deceased obtained sufficient chloroquine to bring about her death.
Coroner’s concerns
1) The availability and regulation of chloroquine
&
2) The risk of associated misuse
Information checked against the published report and official responses