A 37-year-old midwife and mother of three died accidentally after taking a combination of prescribed painkillers to manage her chronic back pain, a coroner has concluded.
A Tragic Discovery in Lancashire
Amie Barnes was found dead on the morning of July 26, 2025, at her partner's home in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire. She had spent the previous evening with her boyfriend, Jack, sharing a bottle of wine and a takeaway before going to bed.
Jack left for work the next morning, saying goodbye to Amie. When he returned later, he discovered her lying face down and unresponsive. Paramedics were called, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Inquest Reveals Cause of Death
A post-mortem examination found no natural cause of death. However, toxicology tests revealed that Amie had several painkillers in her system. She had been prescribed the medication while on a waiting list for spinal surgery at Salford Royal Hospital.
At an inquest at Preston Coroners' Court this week, Assistant Coroner Richard Taylor recorded a conclusion of misadventure. He stated that while individually the drugs would not have been fatal, 'the concomitant use may have caused significant sedation which, in the absence of any other cause, may have resulted in her death.'
He emphasised that her death was unintended, likely a consequence of taking medication for pain, possibly exacerbated by having consumed alcohol. 'That is not being judgmental,' the coroner added.
A Life Dedicated to Caring for Others
Amie worked as a midwife at hospitals in Blackpool and Preston and had also served as a bereavement midwife. Her friend, Olivia Drinkwater, paid tribute, describing Amie as 'so lovely' and 'one of the kind-hearted people who everyone warmed to.'
'She was like a breath of fresh air, so loving, humbling and caring,' Olivia said. 'It was so unexpected when she died, we were all devastated.'
Amie leaves behind three children, aged 19, 12, and seven. Her funeral was held at Carleton Crematorium on August 15, followed by a wake at the Number Three pub.
Recognising the Signs of an Overdose
The tragic case highlights the dangers of prescription medication. Key signs of a potential painkiller overdose include:
- Unrousable unconsciousness (cannot be woken up).
- Shallow breathing or not breathing at all.
- Snoring or gurgling sounds, indicating a partly blocked airway.
- Blue lips or fingertips.
- Floppy arms and legs with no response to stimulus.
Amie's GP confirmed she had consulted the surgery several times in the seven months before her death, seeking help for her ongoing back pain.
