In a heartbreaking incident, a 29-year-old mother of five, Kiera Kent, tragically lost her life after taking cocaine and attempting to pull out her own wisdom teeth.
The inquest into her death revealed the severe injuries caused by her self-harming behavior, and the efforts made by the police officers and her partner to save her.
A Disturbing Discovery:
On a day in July last year, Kiera and her partner, Liam Crabtree, had guests over for a barbecue at their home in Liskeard, Cornwall.
After the guests left, Kiera went upstairs, and her behavior soon became “bizarre and erratic,” raising concerns.
Liam called the police after witnessing her alarming actions, suspecting that her cocaine use might have contributed to her distress.
A Tragic Sequence of Events:
When Liam found Kiera lying on the pillow, surrounded by blood and attempting to put her hands in her mouth, he realized the seriousness of the situation.
In a desperate attempt to prevent her from causing further harm, Liam wrestled a razor from her hand as she tried to put it in her mouth.
Fearing for her safety, he promptly contacted emergency services, explaining that Kiera was trying to pull her teeth out.
Efforts to Save Kiera:
PCs Gemma Henderson and Leanne Gould were dispatched to the scene and found Kiera in a highly distressed state with injuries to her hands and mouth.
In a compassionate effort to protect her, they handcuffed her hands in front of her.
Tragically, during the restraint process, Kiera stopped breathing.
The officers immediately initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for 30 minutes until paramedics arrived, but, sadly, she was pronounced dead on the scene.
The Impact of Cocaine Use:
Evidence presented during the inquest suggested that Kiera and Liam had used cocaine before her behavior escalated, indicating the possible influence of the drug.
The post-mortem report indicated scratches and abrasions consistent with self-inflicted injuries, pointing to the distressing state she was in at the time of the incident.
A Concluding Verdict:
The inquest’s conclusion by Assistant Coroner Guy Davies was that Kiera’s death was drug-related, likely caused by an electrolyte/chemical imbalance triggered by cocaine use.
Though her cocaine level was not in the toxic range, the substance was deemed responsible for the fatal medical episode.
Mr. Davies expressed his condolences to Kiera’s grieving family and commended PCs Gould and Henderson for their brave efforts to save her life.
Investigation and Officer’s Actions:
Following the incident, an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation determined that the attending officers had done everything within their power to assist Kiera.
While they were unable to prevent the tragic outcome, their dedication and compassion in handling the distressing situation were acknowledged.
Conclusion:
The death of Kiera Kent serves as a tragic reminder of the potential dangers associated with drug use, even when substances are not immediately considered toxic.
The incident also highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement officers when responding to distressing and unpredictable situations.
Kiera’s family mourns the loss of their loved one, while the attending officers, PCs Gould and Henderson, have been praised for their courageous efforts to save a life, despite the devastating outcome.
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