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A couple was found dead in a children’s pool in a backyard with a hose running hot water, an investigation said.
Michelle Slater, 44, and her boyfriend Jason Bentham, 43, were discovered in the garden of the house on Parbold Avenue in St Helens.
Coroner Julie Goulding was told today how Merseyside police received a call around May 8 from a member of the public, informing them that they could see the body of a man dumped in a paddling pool at the rear of the property.
When officers attended, they discovered two bodies in the steel-framed water-filled pool: those of Ms. Slater, a mother of three, and her partner, Mr. Bentham, Coroner Clair Sajewicz said.
There was a hose in the children’s pool that was connected to the hot water faucet in the kitchen, the Bootle City Council hearing was reported about the death of Ms Slater.
Police immediately declared the deaths inexplicable but not suspicious.
In a pathologist’s report, the children’s pool was found to be filled to the top with water, and both bodies were “largely submerged.”
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Ms Sajewicz said that neighbors had heard sounds from the pool during the night of Thursday, May 7, and at 11:20 pm, a woman’s voice was heard saying, ‘It’s hot, it’s hot!’
The investigation was informed that there were no signs of drowning in relation to Ms. Slater.
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
The court was told that he had an enlarged liver due to chronic alcohol abuse, and that at the time of his death he had an “enormously high” blood alcohol level, which was four times the alcohol limit.
Ms. Slater had also taken a strong sedative-type drug and an antidepressant, toxicology tests revealed, and the effects of the powerful sedative were exacerbated by alcohol consumption, Ms. Sajewicz said.
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The pathologist’s report added: “He has developed problems with thermoregulation, leading to heat exhaustion and this is the main mode of death in this case.”
The cause of death was officially recorded as immersion hypothermia with acute alcohol intoxication, complicated by the use of diazepam.
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Coroner Julie Goulding recorded a narrative conclusion, similar to that given by the pathologist.
The investigation of Mr. Bentham, the father of two, which will also conclude today, was postponed to allow more family members to attend at a future date.
The couple had only been in a relationship for a short period of time and in the weeks following the tragedy, heartbroken family members paid tribute to both of them.
One of Mr. Bentham’s brothers said, “God bless you bruv[sic], I will always love you. “
And he added: “There is a God, I know this now because he only takes the best.”
“And he was the best, I miss him so much.”
A friend said, “One of the kindest boys you could ever meet, you will never be forgotten in our hearts forever, Jason.”
Another added: “I will always love and miss you my old friend.
“RIP, Jakey boy.”
Ms. Slater’s brother, speaking about the loss of his family, said: “Two days ago I received the news that the body of my beautiful sister had been found.
“I am absolutely devastated and shocked that she is no longer with all of us.
“She had just celebrated her birthday two days earlier.”
If you have been affected by any of the details mentioned in this story, there are people who can help you.
Most people grieve when they lose something or someone important to them.
How grief affects you depends on many things, including the type of loss you’ve suffered, your education, your beliefs or religion, your age, your relationships, and your physical and mental health.
Grief is a totally normal process, but there are ways to get help if you need it.
Your GP is a good place to start. They can advise you on other support services, refer you to a counselor, or prescribe medication if necessary.
Or you can contact support organizations directly, such as Cruse Bereavement Care (0808 808 1677) Samaritans (116 123) or Love Jasmine.
“She was the most loving and caring sister anyone could have asked for and it is absolutely heartbreaking that she is leaving behind a heartbroken mom and dad, three brothers, one sister and three amazing and wonderful children, and four beautiful grandchildren.
“RIP Michelle, I will always love you and I know I will see you again one day.
“You will be forever in my heart and you will always be remembered.
“Sleep well Angel xxx.”
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