Young girl, 22, seen suicide boards earlier than ingesting deadly poison she purchased on-line, inquest advised – as household query why police did not examine provider

A young woman took her own life by ingesting a poison she purchased online after searching suicide forums.

Grace Nevens, 22, from Morpeth in Northumberland, died in November 2024 in hospital.

Her grieving family are now questioning why there is no police investigation into the supplier of the poison.

Grace was studying psychology at Leeds University and volunteered for the mental health charity Mind in the city. 

She was described by her sister as a ‘beautiful, kind soul’ who ‘enriched the lives of everyone she met despite struggling with her own mental health’.

Lucy Nevens said her sister’s passing had left ‘a huge hole in our hearts’.

At a pre-inquest review, Northumberland coroner Andrew Hetherington confirmed there was no ongoing investigation into her death.

However he said he was aware of investigations into a Canadian and a Ukrainian who are alleged to have supplied users of a suicide forum with poison.

Grace was studying psychology at Leeds University and volunteered for the mental health charity Mind in the city

She took her own life after ingesting a poison which she purchased online on November 4 last year

Mr Hetherington also said he had contacted the National Crime Agency about the case.

Alison Seaman, representing Ms Nevens’ family, told the hearing they wanted to challenge the police’s decision not to investigate.

Ms Seaman said it was ‘difficult to understand; why there was no ongoing inquiry when there was evidence that Ms Nevens bought the chemical online.

‘It is likely the person selling it to her knew she was planning to do that,’ the barrister said.

‘She frequented a suicide forum where she was able to engage in conversations around suicide.’

Ms Seaman added: ‘She was someone who was suffering from a crisis in her mental health.

‘She was 22 and it was anticipated that she would be able to recover.

‘She was being treated with medication.’

Ms Seaman said the family did not understand why there was no police investigation, and said they want the decision to be reviewed.

Grace was described by her family as a ‘beautiful, kind soul’ who ‘enriched the lives of everyone she met’

She added: ‘There’s no rationale, there’s no explanation, that’s what is missing for the family.’

Ms Nevens’ parents Neil and Sharon, and sister Lucy, were at the hearing on Tuesday.

Mr Hetherington said that if there was a police inquiry, the inquest would have to be adjourned.

He set a provisional inquest date for March 5 and 6.

Grace’s family and friends are now raising money for Mind in her honour and are running 22km in 22 hours.

In a tribute to her sister on social media, Lucy wrote: ‘Grace was the most beautiful person, both inside and out, with chocolate button eyes. 

‘We have all been so incredibly lucky to have had her in our lives, even for the short 22 years that we have been allowed together. 

‘She has left a huge hole in our hearts, and she will be sorely missed by everyone that she touched in this life.

‘She was funny, strong, passionate, and she would give anyone her last penny if it meant helping someone out even slightly. 

‘She achieved so much already, and still had much more to do. She was an amazing daughter, sister, girlfriend and friend.

‘For now, all we can do is cherish the many happy memories we have.’

For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support