In a deeply saddening turn of events, a full-time carer and her severely disabled daughter have both tragically passed away in Salford, Greater Manchester. Martina Karo, 40, and her 8-year-old daughter Eleni Edwards were found dead at their home after the young girl did not show up for school on 23rd September 2024.
The inquest at Bolton Coroner’s Court heard how Karo, a translator by profession, had been struggling with her mental health following the breakdown of a relationship. Caring for her daughter, who was blind and had limited mobility, had left Karo feeling socially isolated and overwhelmingly lonely.
Eleni had been placed on a child protection plan by Salford City Council in January 2024, and the family had access to a range of support services, including daily visits from carers, social workers, respite care, counselling and therapy. Social workers had even accompanied Karo to social activities in an effort to help her make new friends, but she struggled with such initiatives.
A close friend of Karo’s previously told The Guardian that the primary issue was not just the physical demands of caring for Eleni, but the loneliness Karo experienced when alone at home with her non-verbal daughter. “It wasn’t just the taking care of her, it was the fact that when she was alone in the house – it was just her and Laney and she was non-verbal – she was just lonely every night and she had nobody,” the friend said.
Coroner Peter Sigee concluded that Karo had “deliberately placed herself and her daughter in an environment where they were overcome by the toxic effects of carbon monoxide with the intention and effect of ending both their lives.” Despite the high level of support available, Karo’s feelings of extreme loneliness and isolation ultimately overwhelmed her.
Sigee stated that Karo had denied any thoughts of harming herself or Eleni, and that this “tragic incident could not reasonably have been foreseen.” Martina Karo was described as a “good mother” who was “very bright” and spoke multiple languages, having been born in Poland and raised in Italy.
This heartbreaking case serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact that loneliness and social isolation can have, even for those with access to professional support. The loss of Martina Karo and her young daughter Eleni is a tragedy that has left the Salford community deeply saddened.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or by email at jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counsellor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
