Tributes paid to ‘larger than life’ Eastbourne woman who died from infection

An Eastbourne woman who has been described by family members as ‘larger than life’ died due to an infection.
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Chloe Phyllis Walsh, 34, of Susans Road died on January 11, 2021, at Eastbourne DGH.

In an inquest, which was held at Eastbourne Town Hall on July 1, Miss Walsh’s drug use was discussed as well as her physical condition.

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The coroner heard how in the months leading up to her death Miss Walsh had been admitted to hospital before leaving.

Eastbourne Town Hall SUS-210216-141625001Eastbourne Town Hall SUS-210216-141625001
Eastbourne Town Hall SUS-210216-141625001

Dr Andrew Marshall from the DGH said, “Chloe expressed her wish to not stay in hospital but to discharge herself.”

The barmaid was later brought back to the DGH where she died of sepsis with Dr Marshall saying she returned with the same condition as before.

In a joint letter from half-sister Maxine Walsh and mother Karen Foley, who were both in attendance, Miss Walsh was described as a ‘larger than life’ family-orientated person

They said, “She was a beautiful girl who loved her family.

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“Chloe had some very good close friends but did associate with some drug addicts.”

The inquest heard how Miss Walsh, who has four children, had struggled with substance abuse including heroin.

Miss Walsh’s sister added, “She certainly wasn’t proud of what she did.”

Despite her struggle with drug use Miss Walsh’s family said she had taught herself some sign language and was looking forward to Christmas.

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East Sussex coroner Alan Craze said, “She was not just in a poor state physically but in a poor state mentally.”

Mr Craze concluded that Miss Walsh had died due to a dependency on drugs.

He said, “She was an addict. It doesn’t give me any pleasure to say that.

“Without the drugs she would not have got herself into that situation I’m afraid.”