A ‘WARM and generous' medical student was struggling with her mental health before her body was found by rock climbers on Portland, an inquest heard - as loved ones paid tribute to her and told how sorely she is missed.

Julia Theresa Williams, aged 24, was found dead at the foot of cliffs near Walls End North on Portland, at 10.41am on Tuesday, September 15, 2020.

Miss Williams had left her home in Truro, Cornwall, on Thursday, September 3 where she drove to Budleigh Salterton in East Devon.

Despite the lack of CCTV or witnesses in the area, Andrew Cox, senior coroner for Cornwall, recorded a conclusion of suicide and believed she intentionally entered the water on or around Friday, September 4.

Rock climbers found 'talented' woman on rocks

Dorset Echo:

Cornwall Coroner’s Court heard that rock climber Lloyd Baggs was in the area with his friend Andrew Taylor when they found what initially appeared to be a mannequin in the rocks.

In a written statement, he said: “It was low tide and I saw what looked like a mannequin in the rocks.

“I looked again and I thought there was a body.”

He added: “Andy and I went to the body to confirm what we had seen for our own peace of mind.”

Mr Baggs called the police and used What3words app to give the emergency services an accurate location.

Investigations concluded that Miss Williams' body had been in the water for 10 days and had drifted towards the Dorset coast.

The inquest heard that Miss Williams had been diagnosed with bipolar type 2, which which involves periods of depression and hypermania. She also received private counselling and support as well as prescribed medication.

Leanne McCollin, senior mental health practitioner at University of Exeter, said she ‘engaged very well’ with support and offered by herself and the team during wellbeing sessions.

She said: “The session would go where she wanted to. There was a clear focus on her identity and a feeling she didn’t know who she truly was.”

Miss Williams, a medical student, moved to Truro to live with her friend Megan Kidler and other medical students and take up a new role.

She was ‘bit anxious and panicky’ about uprooting her life and the new job, the inquest heard.

'She was an incredibly special friend and so sorely missed'

Her father, Dr Richard Williams, spoke of how they last saw her for the last time before she moved down to Truro, in which he described her as ‘unhappy’ and ‘emotional’ but noted how she enjoyed walking and painting.

He added: “For the record, we would like to say she was fully supported by professional services. She was also massively supported by her wonderful loyal friends.

Megan Kidler, a close friend of Miss Williams, spoke of their ‘fantastic memories’ together since meeting in 2015.

She described her friend as an ‘incredibly intelligent woman’ and recalled her passion for nature and the environment.

  • If you are affected by issues raised in this article call Samaritans 116 123 at anytime (the number is free from any phone)

She added: “She was always warm and generous. She gave the best hugs and advice. She would be the person I would turn to.

“She was an incredibly special friend and so sorely missed.”

Miss Kidler called the police on September 4 after she became concerned that Miss Williams had not returned.

Her vehicle was located in the Lyme Kiln car park in Budleigh Salterton in the early hours of Saturday, September 5.

Clothing, her mobile phone and a suicide note written on the back of an empty medicine box were found by officers.

'This is a desperately sad case'

Senior Coroner Andrew Cox said Miss Williams was ‘fortunate’ to have strong support from her family and friends and believed that no one could have anticipated the events in September 2020.

Referring to the suicide note, Mr Cox said: “That to my mind is evidence that she taken her own life and intended to do so.

“I think that it is more likely she intended to take her own life.

“On those circumstances, I find the evidence for suicide is met and that will be the conclusion I will record.”

He added: “This is a desperately sad case how such a talented friendly person can lose her life at such a young age.

“I just want to take this opportunity to express my condolences to her family and friends for the loss they have suffered. It is a very sad case.”