An adult model tragically ended her life by overdosing on a recreational drug. Just two weeks after her partner died from the same substance, an inquest has revealed that Karen Cook, who was known in the modelling world as Sophie Anderson, was discovered dead at a Travelodge hotel in Basingstoke, Hampshire, on November 30, 2023.
A post-mortem examination showed that the 36 year old had ingested a dose of the drug that was 10 times the lethal amount, according to the Winchester inquest. Coroner Jason Pegg informed the hearing that she had been found unconscious next to her partner of three years, Oliver Spedding, a former Crystal Palace youth footballer, at another hotel, the Days Inn Hotel at the Winchester services on the M3 motorway on November 15, 2023.
(Image: sophieasuccess/Instagram)
Mr Spedding, 34, passed away after taking a dose of the drug that was three times the fatal level, while Ms Cook survived, the inquest heard. She was evaluated by a mental health professional three days later and was released into the care of her father, Paul Cook, despite her sister’s concerns about her potential suicide risk, the inquest was told.
Mr Pegg told the hearing that Ms Cook had admitted to medical staff that she and Mr Spedding were “drug addicts” and had been using the recreational drug every two hours. On November 15, they had increased their usage to every 20 minutes because “it wasn’t touching them”.
Coroner Mr Pegg revealed that Ms Cook had a history of anxiety and had previously attempted to take her own life. She had also been struggling with a painful skin condition caused by a failed breast implant, which had heightened her anxiety about her career.
(Image: sophiesuccess/Instagram)
A notebook found beside her contained letters to her loved ones, including one to her late husband, Mr Spedding, which read: “Good morning my beautiful husband, this morning I knew you were shining down on me when I was training and doing pull-ups, doing five sets of pull-ups, I could feel your presence.”
It continued: “I am so happy but nervous about seeing you, no-one knows I am going to join you, I kept it all to myself, I am going to do one last video tonight.
“Final destination, this is the last chapter of Sophie Anderson’s life, I am broken, I am f*****, I am insane, I truly and utterly love my Oliver.”
In a letter to her father, she also wrote: “I was so happy, now I will continue to be when I join Oliver tonight in the spirit world, all I know is that he will be there waiting for me.”
In a letter to her father, she also wrote: “I was so happy, now I will continue to be when I join Oliver tonight in the spirit world, all I know is that he will be there waiting for me.”
Ms Cook’s father described her as a caring and affectionate person with vulnerabilities, who was also a skilled actress able to hide her true feelings. Mr Pegg concluded that Ms Cook had taken her own life, stating: “It’s quite clear to me that since Oliver Spedding’s passing, Karen desperately missed him.”
During an inquest into Mr Spedding’s tragic death, Mr Pegg revealed that a cocktail of recreational drugs, another substance, and booze – with Mr Spedding just over the drink-drive limit – led to his demise.
Before losing consciousness on November 15, Ms Cook had the presence of mind to dial 999. Sadly, she was discovered unconscious while Mr Spedding was already dead when help arrived.
Ruling the verdict as misadventure, Mr Pegg lamented that Mr Spedding’s fatal overdose “was a dreadful accident”.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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