A single mother, overwhelmed by loneliness and isolation, tragically took her own life and that of her severely disabled eight-year-old daughter, a coroner has concluded.
Martina Karos, 40, and her daughter Eleni Edwards were found dead at their home in South Radford Street, Salford, Greater Manchester, in September 2024. The coroner, Peter Sigee, stated that Karos “deliberately placed herself and 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.”
The inquest heard that Karos, originally from Poland and working as a translator, had struggled with her mental health following the breakdown of a relationship. She had expressed to a friend that she felt life was not worth living and had, at times, become emotionally distant from her daughter, who was blind and had limited mobility.
Despite receiving a range of support services, including daily visits from carers, social workers, short and medium-term respite care, counselling, and psychotherapy, Karos continued to experience overwhelming feelings of loneliness and isolation. Sigee concluded that “despite a high level of good quality, focused support and care from family, her limited group of friends and professionals, including GP, specialised mental health services, social workers and carers, Ms Karos experienced feelings of extreme loneliness and isolation which overwhelmed her.”
Eleni was placed on a Child Protection Plan by Salford City Council’s social services in January 2024, and efforts were made to help Karos socialise and make new friends. However, the inquest heard that she struggled with such initiatives.
Sigee stated that Karos had denied any thoughts of harming herself or Eleni, and there was no “objective basis” to suspect she would do so. He concluded that Karos had taken her own life and that Eleni had been unlawfully killed by her mother.
This tragic incident has left the community in Salford deeply saddened, and the case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that loneliness and isolation can have on individuals and families. The coroner’s findings have highlighted the need for continued support and resources to address mental health challenges, particularly for single parents and those caring for children with disabilities.
