Tributes paid after sudden death of 50-year-old Lewes woman

Warm tributes have been paid to a Lewes woman who died at her home in February.
Eastbourne Town Hall (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-190425-155127008Eastbourne Town Hall (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-190425-155127008
Eastbourne Town Hall (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-190425-155127008

Jane Darke, a shop assistant, was found dead in her flat in Harvard Close by a friend who was concerned about her.

An inquest into the 50-year-old’s sudden death was held at Eastbourne Town Hall on Wednesday (September 23).

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The hearing was told that Mrs Darke had recently lost several stone in weight and was enjoying a new lease of life despite some mental health issues and pain after a gastric band operation.

Her GP Dr James Annis said his patient had a long history of anxiety and schizophrenia and was on a large amount of prescription drugs.

Her daughter Rhianne Broadway, a student who lived with her mother when she was home from university, said Mrs Darke was a popular member of the Lewes Social Group.

She said, “She had a bubbly personality. She was happy and had a new found freedom. She was enjoying life.”

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A post mortem report showed Mrs Darke had suffered from a weak heart and a high body mass index.

A toxicology report revealed she had high levels of a painkiller in her system.

Mrs Darke’s mental health nurse Debbie Bull said she had engaged well with services helping her and that her confidence was growing.

East Sussex coroner James Healy-Pratt ruled that Mrs Darke’s death had been accidental.

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He said, “She had a lot to live for, her daughter, her mother, social life and extended family.”

Inquests are open to the public and members of the press who are permitted to report the proceedings in full.

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