Spanish care worker found dead in Avon Gorge 'feared deportation because of Brexit'

A Spanish care worker living in the UK – found dead in a river gorge – had been concerned she could be deported because of Brexit, an inquest has heard.

The body of Miriam Macarron'Arroyo, 42, was found in the Avon Gorge, Bristol in January four days after she had been reported missing.

On 4 April, an inquest heard the woman had suffered depression and was dealing with a number of problems, including a chronic-pain illness dating back to 2003.

Her housemate, Claire Tidman, told an inquest that the Spanish national also feared she would be forced to leave her home in Easton, Bristol, and sent back to her home country because of the UK's decision to leave the EU.

Tidman said the woman had a passionate interest in politics – she was "worried about Brexit and believed she would be deported one day as a result", the Guardian reported.

Another friend, Yoko Earley, added: "I was of the opinion she became depressed because of Brexit, the lack of family ties and her job, which she hated because of her health."

Avon Coroner's Court was told Macarron'Arroyo's only close family was her mother, who lived in Madrid. She had also been receiving letters relating to tax arrears, it was said.

Her GP, Dr Victoria Bowler, of Eastville Medical Practice, said she had struggled with depression.

At her last appointment, on 19 December last year, it was noted that she was "frustrated that she was always ill" having suffered a chronic pain illness since 2003.

Assistant coroner Myfanwy Buckeridge gave a narrative verdict, saying there was no conclusive evidence Macarron'Arroyo intended to take her own life.

She told the inquest: "I have no evidence before me as to how Miriam came to be in Avon Gorge with multiple injuries.

"On the balance of probabilities I consider that was probably due to a fall, but I have no conclusive evidence that she intended to take her own life.

"I cannot rule out the fact that this may have been a tragic accident or that something she intended to do somehow went astray."

Friend Eleanor Jones paid tribute to Macarron'Arroyo, saying: "Miriam was one of the most caring people I have met.

"She was able to sympathise with people and their problems. It was a source of frustration to her that other people didn't empathise with her own."

The Samaritans provides a free support service for those who need to talk to someone in the UK and Republic of Ireland. It can be contacted via Samaritans.org or by calling 116 123 (UK) or 116 123 (ROI), 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, please contact a free support service at Mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393. Call charges apply.