Menu
06/12/2007
Suicide Verdict In Death Of Fashion Icon
A coroner has ruled that style icon Isabella Blow killed herself by drinking weedkiller.
An inquest into Mrs Blow's death by Gloucestershire Coroner Alan Crickmore found that there was clear evidence that the 48-year-old fashion director of Tatler had intended to take her own life. She had swallowed 20 times the fatal dose of Paraquat and had told staff at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital that she wanted to die.
The inquest heard that she had battled depression for around three or four years and had been released after receiving psychiatric treatment, shortly before her death.
Mrs Blow's younger sister Lavinia Verney told the inquest that her sister had made three previous attempts at suicide - jumping from a bridge, ramming her car into a lorry and overdosing on tablets - before her final fatal attempt in May.
Her psychiatrist, Dr Ian Pennel, told the inquest: "There was the perception of her waning celebrity, her paternal grandfather killing himself after being acquitted on a charge of murder, the death of her young brother in a drowning incident and the difficult early relationship with her parents."
Mrs Blow began her career in 1981 as assistant to Anna Wintour, who is now editor-in-chief of American Vogue.
She returned to the UK in 1986, where she worked for British Vogue, The Sunday Times' Style magazine and then as fashion director of Tatler.
Famous for her love of unusual hats, she was credited with helping to launch the careers of British model Sophie Dahl and designers Philip Treacy and Alexander McQueen.
(KMcA)
An inquest into Mrs Blow's death by Gloucestershire Coroner Alan Crickmore found that there was clear evidence that the 48-year-old fashion director of Tatler had intended to take her own life. She had swallowed 20 times the fatal dose of Paraquat and had told staff at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital that she wanted to die.
The inquest heard that she had battled depression for around three or four years and had been released after receiving psychiatric treatment, shortly before her death.
Mrs Blow's younger sister Lavinia Verney told the inquest that her sister had made three previous attempts at suicide - jumping from a bridge, ramming her car into a lorry and overdosing on tablets - before her final fatal attempt in May.
Her psychiatrist, Dr Ian Pennel, told the inquest: "There was the perception of her waning celebrity, her paternal grandfather killing himself after being acquitted on a charge of murder, the death of her young brother in a drowning incident and the difficult early relationship with her parents."
Mrs Blow began her career in 1981 as assistant to Anna Wintour, who is now editor-in-chief of American Vogue.
She returned to the UK in 1986, where she worked for British Vogue, The Sunday Times' Style magazine and then as fashion director of Tatler.
Famous for her love of unusual hats, she was credited with helping to launch the careers of British model Sophie Dahl and designers Philip Treacy and Alexander McQueen.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 January 2005
Foreign Office to issue death certificates for tsunami missing
The Foreign Office has confirmed that it will issue death certificates for British nationals missing, presumed dead, in the Boxing Day tsunami disaster.
Foreign Office to issue death certificates for tsunami missing
The Foreign Office has confirmed that it will issue death certificates for British nationals missing, presumed dead, in the Boxing Day tsunami disaster.
01 August 2013
Inquest Finds Soldier Killed By His Own Grenade
An inquest has found that a soldier was killed by his own grenade during an enemy attack in Afghanistan. In June last year, L/Cpl James Ashworth (23), from Corby, Northamptonshire, was killed as he stormed an insurgent position in Nahr-e-Saraj in Helmand Province.
Inquest Finds Soldier Killed By His Own Grenade
An inquest has found that a soldier was killed by his own grenade during an enemy attack in Afghanistan. In June last year, L/Cpl James Ashworth (23), from Corby, Northamptonshire, was killed as he stormed an insurgent position in Nahr-e-Saraj in Helmand Province.
29 October 2007
Inquest Told ‘Blame Blair’
The death of a soldier killed in Iraq has been blamed on former PM, Tony Blair. The dead soldier’s mother said she held Blair personally responsible as the inquest into his death resumed. Fusilier Gordon Gentle, 19, was killed on patrol in Basra on June 28, 2004, and his mother Rose has blamed Army ‘neglect’ for his death.
Inquest Told ‘Blame Blair’
The death of a soldier killed in Iraq has been blamed on former PM, Tony Blair. The dead soldier’s mother said she held Blair personally responsible as the inquest into his death resumed. Fusilier Gordon Gentle, 19, was killed on patrol in Basra on June 28, 2004, and his mother Rose has blamed Army ‘neglect’ for his death.
17 February 2010
Designer 'Hanged Himself In Wardrobe'
Renowned British fashion designer Alexander 'Lee' McQueen died after hanging himself in a wardrobe, an inquest into his death was told today. McQueen was found dead at his London home last Thursday. A note was found at the scene.
Designer 'Hanged Himself In Wardrobe'
Renowned British fashion designer Alexander 'Lee' McQueen died after hanging himself in a wardrobe, an inquest into his death was told today. McQueen was found dead at his London home last Thursday. A note was found at the scene.
15 February 2008
Heart Disease Killed Exiled Georgian Tycoon
Exiled Georgian billionaire Badri Patarkatsishvili, who collapsed and died at his home in the UK earlier this week, was suffering from severe heart disease, an inquest has been told.
Heart Disease Killed Exiled Georgian Tycoon
Exiled Georgian billionaire Badri Patarkatsishvili, who collapsed and died at his home in the UK earlier this week, was suffering from severe heart disease, an inquest has been told.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
