Hero Covid nurse, 26, took fatal overdose after falling into a 'downward spiral'

A hero Covid nurse took a fatal overdose after falling into a ‘downward spiral’ when she was forced to call off weddings because of the pandemic and doctors diagnosed her with an ‘incurable’ back condition, an inquest heard. 

Trisha Roberts, 26, from Bangor in North Wales, dedicated her working life to helping the sick and held the hands of dying coronavirus patients during her final weeks. 

But her mental health took a ‘downward spiral’ while she battled a degenerative back problem, the name of which was not heard at the inquest. 

Ms Roberts had an overdose of morphine and left a note reading, ‘Don’t be sad, I’m happy now.’ 

Trisha Roberts, 26, from Bangor in North Wales, dedicated her working life to helping the sick and held the hands of dying coronavirus patients during her final weeks

She had been admitted to hospital two weeks before her death where doctors told her there was ‘nothing they could do’ for her spinal condition. 

An inquest today heard Ms Roberts was due to marry her partner Paul Jones but had to cancel multiple weddings due to the pandemic.

Mr Jones, a healthcare worker, said: ‘This led to a downward spiral of her mental health. We had multiple weddings cancelled. She saw no future for herself.’

The relationship broke down the day before her death and Ms Roberts was tragically found dead in bed on February 24.

A handwritten note was found in the room with the heading: ‘This is my suicide letter.’

Her mental health took a ‘downward spiral’ while she battled a degenerative back problem, the name of which was not heard at the inquest

The note included an apology and told loved ones: ‘Don’t be sad, I’m happy now’ – adding she was no longer in physical or emotional pain.

Black Country Coroner’s Court heard Ms Roberts was born in Bangor and worked at the nearby Ysbyty Gwynedd hospital.

She later got a role working on the trauma and orthopaedics wards at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton.

The inquest heard the dedicated nurse had been living with her partner’s parents before her death.

Toxicology reports showed a ‘large quantity’ morphine in her blood and a medical cause of death was given as morphine toxicity.

Senior coroner Joanne Lees said the note indicated a ‘clear intention by Trisha to end her life.’

Mrs Lees recorded a conclusion of suicide.

After Ms Robert’s death, sister Tammy Lou paid tribute to the ‘bubbly, energetic, enthusiastic’ nurse.

She said: ‘She was loved very much by all and was a very determined and hard worker. She would always be there to help in any way she could.

‘Trisha would go above and beyond to help and be there in your hour of need.. She was and always will be our hero.

‘A hero not only to her family but to the NHS. The gaping hole she has left in our hearts, minds and in lives will never be filled.

‘She often told us with tear-filled eyes that she held the hands of these who unfortunately succumbed to the Covid virus and was often the last person they saw.’

For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit Samaritans.org.