Pregnant woman died after falling from dad's ninth floor flat, inquest hears

An inquest has heard how a heavily pregnant woman died after falling from her dad's flat on the ninth floor of a tower block in Leeds.

Emma Atkinson, 38, died after falling from Shakespeare Towers in Burmantofts last Tuesday (22nd October).

She was taken to the Leeds General Infirmary where doctors managed to save her baby girl. Last week West Yorkshire Police said the child was being treated in critical care.

The inquest opening at Wakefield Coroner's Court heard how the mum-of-five died from multiple injuries after falling from a height, and was formally identified by her dad David Atkinson, who she was visiting at the time.

Area Coroner Oliver Longstaff said: "It appears Emma Atkinson died on October 22 2024 at Leeds General Infirmary where she had been brought, having fallen from her father's flat on the ninth floor below to the ground beneath."

The inquest was opened and adjourned until a later date.

Mr Longstaff added: "I would like to take this opportunity to express to Ms Atkinson's family and friends my sincere condolences upon their loss."

An online fundraising page set up following the tragedy has raised more than £6,000 in a week.

The organiser of the page wrote: "Yesterday morning we received the worst news that our beautiful friend Emma had sadly passed away.

"Emma had the biggest heart and would of done anything to help anyone.

"Left behind are her 5 heartbroken children... Reaching out with the heaviest heart to ask for some help in easing the financial burden and stress of this horrific situation so that her children and family can have some time to grieve."