Table of Contents
- Discovery of Remains
- Family's Response
- Mental Health Concerns
- Investigation Findings
- Support Resources
The remains of a young woman were found in her apartment, nearly a year after her passing.
Charlotte Leader, 23, was described as “beautiful and talented” by her heartbroken family, who were unaware of her death.
Charlotte Leader (left) was found by officers in her bed during a welfare checkCredit: Facebook
Sadly, police disclosed that the only messages found on her phone were between her and someone she had asked for “help”.
A coroner stated that Charlotte’s apartment was “immaculate” when police conducted their investigation, with no illegal substances or indications of suicide present.
Neighbors reported never seeing her leave her home, and her sister, Caroline Calow, mentioned that Charlotte had a history of struggles.
Coroner Stephen Teasdale informed Bolton Coroner’s Court that Charlotte had “faced various challenges”.
“Over time, she became estranged from her family, distancing herself and disengaging from mental health services,” he noted.
Charlotte’s mother, Chantay Simm, shared that they had not heard from her since September 2021.
Despite their relentless search, her daughter was “impossible to locate.”
Her family honored her memory on social media, stating: “Charlotte was a truly beautiful and talented young woman.
“She had many talents, including playing the guitar and keyboard, and she also loved art.
“She was immensely loved by the family and will be missed every single day.”
Mrs. Calow, who said her sister had struggled for most of her life, added: “There was absolutely no medication in that apartment whatsoever – it appeared as if someone cared; it wasn’t the home of someone who had given up.”
Mr. Teasdale mentioned that Charlotte had declined an appointment with mental health services in 2022 and had not been in contact with them since.
Officers discovered food in her refrigerator with sell-by dates extending to July 2024, and Mr. Teasdale indicated that she had been “undiscovered for a considerable period of time.”
Detective Inspector Paul Quinn reviewed Charlotte’s phone and found a conversation between her and someone else.
The last message was dated July 30, 2024.
She had written: “Help me, I’ve gone and gotten food again,” to which the reply was, “You sound conflicted about having food.”
Charlotte responded: “It’s food that I didn’t want, and that’s frustrating.”
DI Quinn remarked: “There were numerous messages in the same vein – there were no interactions with anyone else; her only contact was with ChatGPT.”
Dr. Andrew Coates, a pathologist at Royal Bolton Hospital, stated that it was a “challenging examination” because Charlotte’s body had decomposed.
He added that it was “not unreasonable” for this process to take about a year.
He also mentioned that eating disorders can lead to individuals becoming “dangerously underweight,” but he could not confirm whether that was the cause of Charlotte’s death.
She was found by police officers who were called to her apartment for a welfare check after Bolton at Home was unable to gain entry for a routine utility inspection.
Concerns arose when they noticed a “large volume of letters” behind the front door.
Upon entering the apartment, they discovered Charlotte in her bed under a duvet “as if she were sleeping.”
DI Quinn described the first-floor property as “sparsely furnished” and “immaculately clean.”
He stated they found “no indication she intended to take her life, or anything suggesting she would do anything harmful,” but noted that boxes of a detox cleanser were present.
Mr. Teasdale concluded the inquest with an “open” verdict and expressed his condolences to her family.
If you or someone you know needs assistance with a mental health issue, the following organizations offer support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- Beat (The UK’s Eating Disorder charity), www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk , 0808 801 0677
- HUMEN, www.wearehumen.org
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org , 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org , 116 123
