A single mother from Salford, “overwhelmed” by loneliness and isolation, took her own life and that of her severely disabled eight-year-old daughter, a coroner concluded.
Martina Karos, 40, and Eleni Edwards were found at the home they shared on South Radford Street, Salford, Greater Manchester, after police were called when the child failed to attend her special school on September 23 2024.
A pathologist gave the cause of death for the mother and daughter as carbon monoxide toxicity, Bolton Coroner’s Court heard.
Police later said they were not looking for anyone else in their investigation into the deaths.
Ms Karos, originally from Poland and who had worked as a translator, had struggled with her mental health following the breakup of a relationship, and caring for her daughter left her feeling socially isolated and lonely, the joint inquests into the deaths of the mother and daughter was told.
She had told a friend she felt life was not worth living, and at times had become emotionally distant from her daughter, who was blind and had limited mobility.
Eleni was put on a Child Protection Plan by social service staff at Salford City Council in January 2024, and mother and child had a range of support services, the inquest heard.
These included daily visits from carers, social workers, short and medium-term respite care, counselling, talking therapy and psychotherapy.
Social workers had also accompanied Ms Karos to social activities to try to get her to make new friendships – but she struggled with such initiatives, the hearing was told.
Peter Sigee, area coroner for Greater Manchester West, concluding the four-day inquest into the deaths of the mother and daughter, said Ms Karos had taken her own life and that Eleni was unlawfully killed by her mother.
He said: “Ms Karos had deliberately placed herself and her daughter in an environment where they were overcome by the toxic effects of carbon monoxide with the intention and effect of ending both their lives.
“Despite a high level of good quality, focused support and care from family, her limited group of friends and professionals, including GP, specialised mental health services, social workers and carers, Ms Karos experienced feelings of extreme loneliness and isolation which overwhelmed her.
“Ms Karos decided to end her life by suicide.”
Mr Sigee said Ms Karos denied any thoughts of harming herself or Eleni and there was no “objective basis” to suspect she would do so, adding: “This tragic incident could not reasonably have been foreseen.”
Earlier, the inquest heard Ms Karos told social workers of her unhappiness and feeling “stuck” and isolated.
She had to give up work because of caring responsibilities for her daughter, but Ms Karos felt lonely during the day when Eleni attended a special school and most people were at work.
So, respite care was increased so Ms Karos could attend activities on evenings and weekends, the inquest was told.
Social workers set up an app of activities and suggested activities involving various groups but Ms Karos failed to engage.
The inquest was told the problem was not Ms Karos’ lack of time, but the lack of social connections.
Ms Karos was born in Lublin, and as a child moved to Italy with her family.
She moved to England in 2003 and studied languages at university, working as a translator and interpreter.
After being told she could not have children, she became pregnant with Eleni and was “surprised and excited”.
The pregnancy was normal but six months or so after her daughter’s birth in June 2016, it became apparent Eleni was very severely disabled, unable to see or communicate verbally and with restricted mobility.
Ms Karos was described as a “devoted” mother, and Eleni was happy and “thriving” despite her disabilities.
Report supplied by PA Media.
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