MYSTERY still surrounds what caused the sudden death of a widow at her home in Garton-on-the-Wolds.
Hull Coroners Court has heard that the body of Jacqueline Wilks, 62, of Main Street was so decomposed when discovered on August 7 this year the pathologist was unable to say for sure what had caused her death.
But Dr Laslo Karsai told yesterday’s hearing that there were signs of ischaemic heart disease which may have caused a heart attack.
Dr Karsai told the court that he understood Mrs Wilks had been a heavy smoker, smoking about 40 cigarettes a day, had recently been diagnosed with asthma, and in the weeks leading up to her death had been complaining of a stomach upset.
Paramedics were called by Mrs Wilks on July 23 because she was experiencing problems with her breathing.
Advanced emergency medical technician Diane Clixby said Mrs Wilks appeared to be suffering a panic attack and was found hyperventilating on the kitchen floor.
But Mrs Wilks refused hospital treatment and her son, Darren Wilks, was called to sit with her.
Mr Wilks said his mother had been complaining of a stomach upset for which she had taken some medication, but he asked her not to take any more because it may have interfered with her breathing.
Mr Wilks stayed until his mother calmed down and returned several days later to check on her.
“She said her breathing was a lot better, she still had an upset tummy but she was fine,” Mr Wilks said.
When Mr Wilks failed to make contact with his mother in the days that followed he let himself into her home and found her body in bed.
“To me she passed away peacefully just laid out flat,” Mr Wilks added.
The court heard that Mrs Wilks had always been a smoker and had not wanted to quit the habit.
“She enjoyed the cigarettes, she wasn’t going to give it up, she did try but enjoyed smoking too much to want to give it up,” Mr Wilks said.
The court heard that Mrs Wilks had sought help for alcoholism in the early 1990s and while the treatment had not been completely successful she had reduced her drinking.
Mr Wilks said his mother used to drink whiskey and vodka but in the last couple of years did not drink as much and usually had wine or beer.
“We have had serious events where she had drunk excessive amounts to the point where she was unable to help herself, she needed somebody else to dress her but she had improved,” Mr Wilks said.
In 2000 Mrs Wilks’ husband was diagnosed with a terminal illness and died in March 2001.
Recording an open verdict assistant deputy coroner Michael Mellun said: “Mrs Wilks died peacefully somehow but because Dr Karsai can’t assist me with exactly how it seems to me that the evidence doesn’t fully disclose exactly how death arose.”