Sophie Joanne Ashwood, 20, from Bodmin, Cornwall, was found dead in her flat on October 3, 2025, after taking a lethal dose of cocaine. An inquest at Cornwall Coroners' Court in Truro on July 28 heard she had levels nearly two-and-a-half times the fatal threshold.
Troubled Background
The inquest was told Sophie endured a difficult childhood, including time in foster care and engagement with child protective services. She had a diagnosis of emotionally unstable personality disorder from 2023, and her medical records showed multiple overdoses and suicidal ideation. She had previously expressed wishes to end her life 'to be with her mum'.
Support Worker's Account
Sylvia Nichols, Sophie's personal adviser, described her as 'very up and down' and 'chaotic'. She said Sophie was reluctant to engage with mental health professionals because she felt they 'killed her mum'. The cause of death was acute cocaine toxicity.
Senior coroner Andrew Cox recorded a conclusion of suicide, saying Sophie had a difficult start and lost her mother at an early age. He noted she had relative stability with her grandmother but could not come to terms with her past.
Tributes
Friends and family paid tribute. Alice Bosworth said Sophie 'made life lighter' and 'found the funny in any situation'. Her grandmother wrote: 'Fly high with the angels... Look after that part of my heart that will be forever yours.'
