Nicola Bulley, a 45-year-old mother-of-two, tragically died by drowning after entering the 3C water of the River Wyre, an inquest revealed, Your Content has learned.
The inquest, held by Dr James Adeley, senior coroner for Lancashire, determined that Ms. Bulley had not been drinking prior to her disappearance and that there was no evidence of harm caused by a third party.
Ms. Bulley went missing on January 27 while walking her dog along the River Wyre after the morning school run.
Her body was discovered on February 19, approximately a mile away from the location where she disappeared.
During the inquest, Professor Michael Tipton, a renowned expert on the effects of falling into cold water, testified that the frigid temperature of the river water, combined with Ms. Bulley’s physical build and heavy clothing, could have resulted in rapid incapacitation.
He explained that falling into water below 10C often triggers a gasping response, leading to the inhalation of water and potential drowning.
The timeframe for survival in such conditions is estimated to be around 25 seconds before losing consciousness.
Police diver Matthew Thackray presented photographs of the riverbank, showing a steep drop into the water where Ms. Bulley fell.
He confirmed the challenging conditions, particularly the 4C water temperature on the day she vanished.
The inquest also addressed concerns regarding potential foul play or assault. Dr. Alison Armour, a Home Office pathologist, stated that there was no evidence of assault or harm inflicted on Ms. Bulley before her entry into the water.
Dr. Armour concluded that Ms. Bulley was alive when she fell into the water, as indicated by the presence of watery fluid and dirt fragments in her body, consistent with drowning.
The hearing had additional security measures due to significant social media interest and unusual online commentary surrounding Ms. Bulley’s disappearance.
Ms. Bulley’s family and friends attended the hearing, with her partner, Paul Ansell, visibly emotional upon hearing the evidence about her death.
The inquest provided insights into Ms. Bulley’s last known interactions.
Witnesses who encountered her on the morning of her disappearance described her as appearing normal and engaged in conversation.
She had made plans for her child’s playdate and a night out with friends.
The investigation surrounding Ms. Bulley’s case has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding the handling of her personal information by Lancashire Police.
The disclosure of her struggles with alcohol and perimenopause drew widespread criticism, prompting an independent review by the College of Policing and inquiries by the Information Commissioner’s Office.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct also examined a welfare check conducted on Ms. Bulley prior to her disappearance.
The inquest is expected to continue for two days to gather further information and insights into the tragic incident, according to DailyMail.