Teenager Took Her Own Life in Chiswick House Gardens

Mother of Abi Oliver traced her daughter using Find My Phone app

An inquest has heard how a teenager died after taking her own life in Chiswick House Gardens.

18-year-old Abi Oliver had spoken to her mother just before her death saying that she was going through the grounds of the stately home to meet friends on 27 January 2018. When Abi did not reply to text her mother used the Find My Phone app on her iPhone to locate her daughter which indicated she was still in the park. A group of her friends joined the search for Abi and emergency services were called when she was found.

In a statement presented to the West London Coroners’ Court, her mother said, ‘I was happy that Abi had made plans to meet with friends on her own as Abi had been suffering with long term depression and anxiety. Abi planning to meet a friend was good.'

Abi Oliver had a history of mental illness and had been a patient in a number of hospitals including a psychiatric unit in Manchester.

Her parents had raised concerns that this had meant that she had been separated from her relatives and friends in London.

Since Abi's passing there is now a 12 bed psychiatric intensive care unit in West Middlesex Hospital for adolescents. This is facility is constantly full at present and further provision is needed.

The Coroner said he was considering contacting the government to raise the issue of potential improvements that could be made in mental health provision for young people

The Coroner recorded a verdict of death as a result of suicide.

Her family have raised over £14,000 for Mind in Abi’s memory. If you wish to donate they have a Just Giving page.

The Samaritans helpline is 116123 and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

October 12, 2019