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An inquest has been formally opened into the death of Linda Louise Latimer, 59, who was found deceased in Eastfield Gardens on April 2.
Mrs Latimer’s body was identified at the scene by members of her family. Police were called and unable to immediately determine the cause of her death, prompting a post-mortem examination authorised by East London Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine.
At a hearing on Monday (June 30), Mr Irvine said the initial autopsy results failed to establish a clear cause of death, with the case pending toxicology analysis.
The toxicology report has now returned a provisional cause of death: toxicity due to alcohol and six other substances, including painkillers, an antidepressant, an antihistamine, and a Class A drug. These substances were present in the context of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hepatic stenosis, a form of liver disease — both of which were likely contributing factors.
“Given those circumstances, I will open an inquest,” said Mr Irvine. “It seems to me that this is an unnatural death.”
The court has now declared Mrs Latimer’s relatives “interested persons” under coronial law — a status that permits them to review evidence before the final hearing and pose questions to witnesses.
The family has been asked to submit a detailed statement outlining the events leading up to the moment Mrs Latimer was found unresponsive, as well as any concerns they wish to raise.
Mr Irvine has also directed his officers to gather Mrs Latimer’s GP records and determine if she was receiving care from any mental health or addiction services at the time of her death. Police and ambulance reports have also been requested as part of the inquiry.
The full inquest is provisionally scheduled to be held in January 2026.
