Emma Atkinson, 38, who was seven months pregnant, died after falling from a ninth-floor window in Leeds, but her baby was safely delivered just 30 minutes later, an inquest heard. The infant, now 21 months old, sustained injuries but has recovered and is being raised by family.
Inquest details the fall and aftermath
At Wakefield Coroner's Court on Thursday, it was revealed that Atkinson fell from her father's flat in Shakespeare Towers, Burmantofts, at 10:20am on 22 October 2024. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene. Her body was taken to Leeds General Infirmary, where an emergency caesarean section was performed.
The baby girl was born shortly after arrival at the hospital. She suffered a punctured lung and a fractured tibia, requiring intensive care for her first weeks, but has since fully recovered. Family members report she is "being raised happily."
Narrative verdict: deliberate act, unclear intent
The inquest returned a narrative verdict, stating Atkinson had "deliberately propelled herself" from the window. However, Coroner Naomi McLoughlin said she could not conclusively determine whether Atkinson intended to die. Evidence included the removal of safety catches from the window and CCTV of the fall, but there were no concerning signs in the weeks prior, and Atkinson had made future plans with family.
Mental health and court concerns
At the time, Atkinson was struggling with poor mental health and feared imprisonment after missing a court date for a shoplifting offence. Her father, David Atkinson, said she visited him that morning, smoked a cigarette by the living room window, and after removing safety catches, opened it fully. When he asked what she was doing, she said she was "just getting some fresh air," then said "I'm off" and fell head first. He believed she intended to end her life.
Other family members disagreed, stating Atkinson "would never have left her kids" and that her "life revolved around her children."
Baby's recovery and family support
The baby girl, now 21 months old, has overcome her injuries and is thriving. The inquest highlighted the successful emergency delivery as a poignant outcome amidst the tragedy.
