WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT Abigail Garside, 30, was found dead by a passerby just hours after sharing loved-up snaps on social media with her husband as they celebrated at a luxury spa resort
A wife was found dead after a row with her husband as they celebrated their first wedding anniversary at a luxury spa resort, an inquest heard.
Abigail Garside, 30, ‘stormed out’ of her hotel room after a row with husband Samuel, just hours after sharing pictures on social media of the pair clinking Champagne glasses in a hot tub.
The couple, from Blackburn, Lancs., had spent August 17 last year toasting their marriage milestone at the exclusive 300-acre Rudding Park resort and spa in Harrogate, North Yorks.
Abigail had written on Facebook: “Lovely day in Harrogate celebrating our first wedding anniversary with my love.” Samuel also shared wedding photographs, writing: “1 year since you became my wife!! I love you more and more every day, happy anniversary.”
But the celebrations later took a tragic turn after the couple drank alcohol and took cocaine while visiting bars in the town. While at Mojo’s bar, an argument erupted after Abigail became involved in a dispute over a pool cue, Northallerton Coroners Court heard.
The couple decided to leave, but the row continued back at the hotel, where she accused him of not standing up for her.
Abigail left angrily while her husband, a project manager, fell asleep and woke to find she had not returned. She had left her phone in the room and he went to look for her, the inquest heard.
Tragically, a member of the public in the centre of the town found her hanged shortly after 6.20am on August 18 and she was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Toxicology tests revealed Mrs Garside had a “high level” of alcohol in her blood, as well as cocaine. Assistant coroner Sarah Middleton said the combination was likely to have influenced her actions.
She told how gifted equestrian Abigail was “happily married” and “looking to the future” and how the couple were weeks away from relocating to Australia with their dogs, the Daily Mail reports.
She added: “Abigail was a girl who loved life. She loved her husband, she was planning a life in Australia and loved her animals. She had no chronic health conditions, no regular medications and no mental health issues at all. She had everything to live for.”
Recording a narrative verdict, the coroner concluded: “I know from experience the combination of alcohol and cocaine can make people act in a way they wouldn’t normally, and what happened to Abigail just seems completely out of character.
“If she hadn’t taken the alcohol and cocaine there’s no way she would have [taken her life]. She had far too much to live for.”
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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