Amelia Bath died on March 6 at her home on Yapton Lane in Walberton, West Sussex – the 12-year-old is believed to have been targeted by bullies on Snapchat in the weeks before her tragic death
A “bright” and “loving” girl was found dead at her home, a coroner’s court heard.
Amelia Bath, aged 12, sadly died on March 6 at her home on Yapton Lane in Walberton, West Sussex.
Area Coroner Joseph Turner described the facts and circumstances of Amelia’s death as “unnatural” during an inquest opening at West Sussex Coroner’s Court in Horsham. A statement from a coroner’s officer said: “She was sadly found deceased at her home address by hanging.”
Amelia’s uncle, Kris Marsh, said her death “was an absolute massive shock to everybody” and “totally out of the blue”. He added: “I don’t think you ever recover from something like this. Marie her mum had gotten up that morning as usual, gone to wake her up for school and then found Amelia in her bedroom. Her world had just been completely turned upside down.”
Her aunt, Lisa Marsh, has set up an online fundraiser on GoFundMe to support the family with funeral costs. Funds will also be donated in Amelia’s memory to Chestnut Tree House, the children’s hospice for Sussex, Brighton and South East Hampshire.
Ms Marsh told the Daily Mail that Amelia had spent the evening before her death laughing and joking and eating fish and chips at her grandparents’ house. Friends later told Amelia’s parents that she had been targeted by bullies on Snapchat in the weeks before her death.
In the fundraiser, Ms Marsh paid tribute to her “beautiful niece”, describing her as a “bright, funny, kind-hearted and loving girl who filled every room with warmth and laughter”.
She said: “She had the most beautiful soul and so much life ahead of her. She was deeply loved, and she loved deeply in return. The silence she has left behind is unbearable, and the hole in our hearts will never truly heal.”
Ms Marsh added: “If you are able to donate or share this page, we would be forever grateful. Every penny, every kind word, and every act of support means more than we can ever express.”
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said officers were “reviewing the wider circumstances” and that Amelia’s death was not being treated as suspicious. They said: “We are working alongside schools and partner agencies to support the girl’s family and others who have been impacted.” The inquest was adjourned until a pre-inquest review on June 17.
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
