Nicola Bulley's death ruled 'accidental'
The coroner has come to a decision 5 months since Nikki was last seen alive
Last updated 16th Feb 2024
A coroner has determined Nicola Bulley's death was accidental after hearing evidence from several key witnesses during the inquest into her death.
Today (Tuesday 27th) marks 5 months since she was last seen alive.
The second day of the inquest at Lancashire county Hall started when we heard evidence from Nicola's GP Dr Rebecca Gray. She told the court Nicola had been seeing her for several years and first mentioned struggling with 'low mood' in 2018. In follow up visits Nicola mentioned she had been feeling anxious and may be struggling with anxiety.
Dr. Gray prescribed 40mg of Propranolol to be taken once or twice a day, well within usual amounts. Traces of the drug were found in Nicolas blood sample, along with paracetamol during her post-mortem.
Ms. Bulley had also raised concerns about the menopause, and blood tests suggested she was post-menopausal at 45 years old. The court heard Nikki was put on HRT or Hormone Replacement Therapy, which at first she struggled with, giving her headaches. The treatment was adjusted and the court heard she felt more comfortable.
Dr Gray also told the court about another incident, which took place weeks before Nikki went missing. Nikki had suffered a fall and hurt the back of her head. She attended Fleetwood walk-in centre and was advised to get a CT scan at Blackpool's A&E, fearing a bleed on the brain. The CT scan showed no internal injuries.
The court also heard from mental health practitioner Theresa Lewis Leevy who conducted a home visit on 10th January over concerns Nikki was not well and family members were concerned about her increased consumption of alcohol since the Christmas period.
Ms Leevy found Nikki in the bedroom at 19:30, 'ready for bed' she appeared to be intoxicated.
The court was told it was a brief interaction, and Nicola suggested she was 'tired' and 'wanted to go to bed.' She told the practitioner she couldn't visit her GP the following day as she had to sort out her mortgage.
The practitioner went back downstairs for a brief chat with Nikki's partner Paul and her younger sister Louise. Paul said there was no issue with their mortgage, and that to his knowledge, Nikki was not working on it the following day.
It was determined there was no immediate concern for Nicola, and it wasn't felt she needed a follow-up visit.
The court then heard from Louisa Cunningham, Nicola's younger sister.
She became upset after the coroner asked her to tell him more about Nikki, and the type of person she was.
Once she was given a moment, the Coroner moved onto more direct questions, asking about Nikki's habits.
Ms. Cunningham confirmed Nikki was a 'planner' and ensured everything was on a schedule. She remembered their parents always bought their daughter a springer spaniel calendar and each January it was filled out and colour coded.
The court heard how Nikki loved Willow, her dog, like a third child and that being a family person was her biggest priority.
When asked if it was possible Nicola would harm herself, and leaving Willow running in the field, Louise said 'no, absolutely not.'
Louise told the court and the coroner about a 'blip' over the Christmas period, when Nikki had started to consume more alcohol and displayed low mood.
Next to give evidence was Nicola's partner Paul Ansell who said Nicola had stopped the increased alcohol consumption prior to her disappearance, yesterday the court heard there was no alcohol in her blood when she went missing.
Mr. Ansell became upset when answering questions and was granted a 5 minute recess.
Paul told the coroner Nicola's family was her priority adding that she was 'the best mum in the world.'
Ms. Bulley's mother and father then spoke to the court, getting upset when recounting the events of the day she went missing.
The coroner determined Nikki's death was 'drowning.'
On delivering his summary he said it's likely Nikki would have been unconscious within 30 seconds after entering the water, due to the cold temperature. Nicola did not have any alcohol in her blood stream when she entered the river, and only therapeutic levels of Paracetamol and Propranolol, an anti-anxiety medication.
The Coroner used his statement to remind us of the RNLI's 'Float To Live' initiative and told us how important it is to know more about water safety.
He echoed the sentiment of the Pathologist who earlier suggested Nikki was not assaulted or injured before she entered the water.
Speaking of the 'screams' that were heard by two witnesses, the coroner said they likely took place after Niki was already dead, and not relevant to her death. He added that the witnesses were right to report the 'scream' to police.
The Coroner said there was no reason to suspect Nicola attempted to take her own life, given the circumstances around her death, particularly leaving Willow unattended. He said there was no evidence to suggest suicide at all.
He said she died on 27th January at around 09:22, almost immediately after entering the water and that it was accidental.
Her death certificate will be updated.