Young Mum Found Dead After 30 Hours Without Emergency Response
Kimberley McAssey, a 29-year-old mother, tragically stopped breathing for over 30 hours before anyone called emergency services, an inquest has revealed. The incident occurred after Kimberley spent the night with a friend, Ryan Sheridan, at his flat in February 2021. The coroner’s court in Rochdale heard that after a night of drinking alcohol and taking MDMA, Kimberley was discovered lifeless in bed, having already turned cold by 6am. Shockingly, it was not until the following morning that Ryan Sheridan texted his mother, Emma Heydon, about the dire situation.
Emma Heydon received a text from her son at 9.28am on February 21, urgently requesting to see her. During this time, despite knowing about Kimberley’s condition, no emergency services were contacted. Emma Heydon then arrived at her son’s flat just before midday, where she discovered the heartbreaking reality. She was informed that Kimberley and Ryan had been drinking and taking drugs before she was left alone in the bed, with Ryan assuming she was asleep.
The inquest revealed that it took another 20 minutes after Emma Heydon’s arrival before a call was made to 999. Despite the delay in seeking help, Emma Heydon reflected that she did what she thought was best at that moment. However, she expressed regret for not acting sooner and acknowledged that the situation did not feel real at the time. Emma had initially assumed Kimberley died from an overdose, yet later admitted to having no evidence to support this assumption.
Forensic pathologist Dr Philip Lumb testified that the delay in calling emergency services made it challenging to determine the exact cause of Kimberley’s death. The post-mortem examination highlighted the presence of MDMA in Kimberley’s bloodstream at a fatal concentration. However, due to uncertainties surrounding bruising on her body, the medical cause of death was labelled as “undetermined.”
A statement read in court by Karrie McAssey, Kimberley’s mother, described her daughter as a vibrant and loving individual, highlighting her cherubic smile and unique personality. Kimberley, who worked at Armstrong’s chip shop in Prestwich, was a devoted mother to her daughter, whom she cherished deeply. Karrie McAssey expressed the profound impact Kimberley’s passing had on their family, stating that it turned their lives upside down and shattered their world.
The inquest also uncovered that Ryan Sheridan was under investigation for an alleged assault against another female shortly before Kimberley’s death. Despite questioning Emma Heydon’s actions in light of this information, she maintained that she did not connect the two events. Dr Lumb emphasised the complexities arising from the delay in seeking medical assistance, underscoring the challenges in determining Kimberley’s definitive cause of death. The court proceedings continue as the family grapples with the heart-wrenching loss of a beloved daughter and mother.
The devastating loss of Kimberley McAssey serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of timely intervention in emergency situations. The emotional testimony shared in court sheds light on the profound impact of delayed responses and the ripple effects it can have on families and loved ones. As the inquest delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding Kimberley’s passing, it underscores the need for heightened awareness and vigilance in recognising the signs of distress and acting promptly to prevent tragic outcomes.