…By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
Nicola Bulley’s Tragic Death
Nicola Bulley’s family has expressed their frustration with the “wildly inaccurate speculation” surrounding her death on social media.
The coroner’s inquest concluded that she drowned after accidentally falling into cold water, ruling her death as accidental and finding no evidence to suggest suicide.
However, the family has been subjected to negative messages and misinformation online.
It is important to focus on the facts presented during the inquest and respect the impact of words on the grieving family.
The Emotional Impact and Gratitude
Nicola Bulley’s family acknowledges the emotional toll her death has taken on them, stating that the loss of “our Nikki” will always remain in their hearts.
They express gratitude for the support they have received from family, friends, and strangers who have sent thoughtful gifts and kind cards to their daughters.
The outpouring of love and kindness has provided comfort during this difficult time.
Addressing the Speculation
Lancashire Constabulary’s head of crime Detective Chief Superintendent Pauline Stables hopes that the coroner’s findings will put an end to ill-informed speculation and conspiracy theories.
Stables emphasizes that Nicola Bulley was a beloved mother, partner, daughter, sister, and friend.
She calls for privacy and respect for the family to allow them the space to heal and rebuild their lives.
The Testimonies and the Coroner’s Findings
Nicola Bulley’s partner, sister, and parents gave tearful testimonies during the inquest, describing her as a great daughter, sister, and mother.
The coroner, Dr. James Adeley, stated that there was no indication that she intended to take her own life.
He highlighted her normal behavior leading up to her death, including plans for play dates and spa days, and her enthusiasm for her career as a mortgage broker.
The circumstances found after her death were inconsistent with suicide, as she left her beloved dog Willow alone on the river bank.
The Sequence of Events and the River Wyre
Nicola Bulley was last seen alive at 9.10am and adjusted the volume on her iPhone at 9.18am during a work Teams call.
Her Fitbit watch recorded a significant spike in heart rate at 9:22am, indicating cold water shock, and no further steps were recorded after 9.30am.
At 9.33am, a dog walker found her iPhone on a bench, and Willow, her dog, was running loose.
The area around the bench had a steep slope with an almost vertical drop to the water, making it nearly impossible to climb out of the water.
The river’s flow that day also made it challenging to swim against the current.
The Effects of Cold Water Shock
Experts in drowning, Professor Mike Tipton and Dr. Paddy Morgan, provided evidence that Nicola Bulley would have lost consciousness within approximately 30 seconds due to the low temperature of the river and the effects of cold water shock.
The coroner ruled out any suspicious or third party involvement in her death, citing the extensive police investigation and CCTV analysis.
There is no evidence to support the involvement of a third party.
Absence of Evidence and Ongoing Review
The evidence was not sufficient for the coroner to determine the circumstances that led Nicola Bulley to enter the water.
However, suicide was ruled out due to an absence of evidence supporting that finding.
An independent review of Lancashire Police’s handling of the case is currently underway, ordered by Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Andrew Snowden.
In conclusion, Nicola Bulley’s tragic death was ruled as accidental by the coroner, who found no evidence of suicide or third party involvement.
The family’s plea for respectful and accurate discussions of the case highlights the impact of misinformation on grieving loved ones.