A BASINGSTOKE photographer was found dead at her home, an inquest heard.

Annabel Bradney, of Lapin Lane, died on December 30, 2022.

An inquest, on April 10 at Winchester Coroners' Court, heard that Ms Bradney, 31, was a keen sportswoman but had a history of alcohol misuse. 

A post-mortem, carried out by consultant pathologist Dr Hayley Burnley, found the cause of death to be hanging. A toxicology report found that Ms Bradney was 3.1 times over the drink drive limit at the time of her death.

Senior coroner Christopher Wilkinson read statements into the court record, as no family were present. 

A statement from her mother Jacqueline Saunders said: “Annie was a very keen sportswoman. She was academically gifted, but was very stressed in the run-up to exams. Annie was always very active, sport was a key activity for her. She enjoyed photography which turned into her career choice.” 

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The statement added that Ms Bradney was able to get a place at UCL but had concerns over a possible diagnosis of cardiomyopathy. She also struggled to come to terms with the death of her grandfather. 

The inquest heard that several mental health services had been in touch with her at the start of 2022, however she didn't engage with them.

The inquest heard that just before she died Ms Bradney had been on holiday in the Lake District with a new partner, but had returned early after the relationship hadn't worked. Also, it had been 10 years since her grandfather died. 

Her friend and neighbour Ellice Knight had concerns because she hadn't heard from Ms Bradney on the day she died. Ms Knight then called friends Gareth Cripps-Jones and Kerrie Meunier who called the emergency services. 

Mr Wilkinson said: “It is to be noted that she suffered with sporadic mental health difficulties. There is no evidence to suggest there was anything suspicious in relation to her death. It is more likely than not that she took her own life. She was suffering cumulative emotional difficulties due to a number of factors.”

The coroner gave a conclusion of suicide.