A coroner has ruled that a pregnant woman who fell from a 10th-floor tower block window 'deliberately propelled herself' out, but it remains unclear whether she intended to die. Emma Atkinson's baby girl was delivered by emergency Caesarean section within 30 minutes of the fall at Shakespeare Towers in Burmantofts, Leeds, on October 22, 2024.
Inquest Details
The inquest at Wakefield Coroner's Court heard that Ms Atkinson, 38, a mother of five, was more than seven months pregnant when she visited her father, David Atkinson, who lived on the ninth floor. Mr Atkinson told police that his daughter went into the living room, sat on the back of a chair, and began smoking a cigarette near the window. He said she removed the safety catches and opened the window fully, making it horizontal.
Mr Atkinson asked what she was doing and told her to shut the window because it was cold, but she replied 'not to worry (as) she was just getting some fresh air'. Moments later, he heard her say 'I'm off' and saw her feet going out of the window. He rushed to the window and saw his daughter on the pavement below, according to the inquest.
Investigation Findings
Detective Constable Emily Parnham stated that CCTV captured the fall at 10:20am, and Ms Atkinson 'did not appear to be distressed'. Paramedics found that Ms Atkinson had not survived the fall, and all further treatment was aimed at saving the baby. The child was delivered at Leeds General Infirmary.
Mr Atkinson believed his daughter went to the flat with the intention of jumping to take her own life. However, DC Parnham said West Yorkshire Police concluded there was no third-party involvement and no suspicious circumstances.
Mental Health and Family Context
Coroner Naomi McLoughlin noted that Ms Atkinson had a history of mental health struggles and was worried about possibly being sent to prison after missing a court appearance days before her death, related to a shoplifting allegation. Her family, who attended the inquest, described her as 'so excited' about the impending births of her daughter and grandson, adding that her 'life revolved around her children' and she 'would never have left her kids'.
Ms McLoughlin said there was insufficient evidence to determine whether the death was suicide or an accident. She recorded a narrative conclusion: 'Emma Atkinson died from a self-inflicted act but her probable intent cannot be ascertained either way.'
Coroner's Balancing Act
The coroner said she was satisfied Ms Atkinson had deliberately propelled herself out of the window, but added: 'I have to consider the issue of her intent. I note the deliberate act of removing the safety catches from the window … and the manner of her falling, captured by the CCTV.' She balanced this against the fact that no concerns were raised about her mental health in the weeks before her death, and she had been making plans to see family. Ms McLoughlin described Ms Atkinson as 'a much-loved woman by all who knew her'.
