A mother from Huddersfield uploaded a harrowing final video to YouTube before setting fire to her family home, resulting in the tragic deaths of herself and her young daughter. The heartbreaking case has been examined during a resumed inquest at Bradford Coroners' Court, revealing disturbing details about the events leading up to the fatal blaze in July 2024.
Final Message Before Tragedy
Danielle Parkinson, 32, recorded a 19-minute video that was later uploaded to her YouTube channel, which has since been played during the ongoing inquest proceedings. In the emotional footage, the troubled mother directly addresses the camera, explaining her state of mind and apologising to friends and family.
"This is the final one and you know what that means," she states in the video. "I've come to the conclusion that I just can't do it. I want to die who I am, a broken lost soul... I just don't see any other way out of this because every day that I am here I'm suffering more and more."
Mental Health Struggles Revealed
The court heard that Danielle had openly described living with bipolar disorder and depression through text on her social media accounts. During her final video message, she expressed frustration with mental health support systems, despite acknowledging that professionals who had worked with her were "incredible."
"There needs to be so much help with mental health," she emphasised. "Even if I went into an institution I'd have to leave my kids. I'm not letting this world do what it did to me, no way... I'm not letting the disgusting things that happened to me happen to them."
Tragic Outcome of July 2024 Fire
The devastating house fire occurred at the family home in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, during July 2024. Both Danielle Parkinson and her eight-year-old daughter Iliza sustained fatal injuries and later died in hospital. Shockingly, Danielle had also attempted to take the life of her other child, who miraculously survived the horrific blaze.
A post-mortem examination revealed that young Iliza had suffered extensive burns, including a significant 35cm by 29cm burn on her trunk. Assistant Coroner Caroline Chandler summarised the report, noting that Iliza had also sustained a 1cm by 0.5cm superficial stab wound to the left side of her chest, along with other incise wounds on different areas of her body.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Detective Sergeant Cawthorne from West Yorkshire Police's homicide and major enquiry team provided evidence to the court. She explained that a passer-by had spotted the fire and immediately alerted the fire brigade. The witness reported being unable to enter the burning property and hearing "screams" coming from an upstairs window.
During the investigation, police discovered a letter from Danielle inside a laptop that had been placed on a trampoline outside the home. DS Cawthorne also presented a summary of Iliza's school records, which revealed several behavioural concerns documented between September 2019 and July 2024.
"There were multiple records of her being a victim of bullying after her hair had been shaved off," DS Cawthorne told the court. "On the 15th of December 2023, she asked staff how she could kill herself as she didn't want to be here anymore."
Family Dynamics and Previous Struggles
The inquest heard that Danielle had previously attempted to take her own life and had spent time in respite care. Friends who saw her on July 30th reported that she had expressed concerns about her mother being in the house, describing this as "the biggest problem."
Interestingly, the court learned that Danielle's mother and stepfather had moved out of the property while she was away on July 30th. During her final video, a fire engine could be heard passing by her window before she addressed someone through the camera, saying: "You still are you. You are still you and the person you was and did and the things you did."
Coroner's Conclusions
DS Cawthorne presented her investigative conclusions to the court, stating clearly: "Reviewing all of the material we concluded that there was no third-party involvement and it was Danielle who was responsible for the fire which resulted in the death of her and her daughter."
The inquest continues to examine the full circumstances surrounding this tragic case that has left the Huddersfield community in mourning. Floral tributes and balloons were placed outside the property in the aftermath of the fire, serving as poignant reminders of the lives lost.
For anyone struggling with similar feelings, support is available around the clock. The Samaritans provide free, confidential support 365 days a year. You can call them on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit their website for more information and resources. Remember that you don't have to face difficult times alone – help is always available for those who reach out.
