A 30-year-old jeweller from Preston died by suicide after enduring a 'toxic' relationship, an inquest has heard. Ellie Naomi Cahoon, a diamond specialist, was found dead by her partner at their home in Hutton on January 18, 2026.
At Preston Coroners Court on Friday, the inquest was told that Ellie faced numerous difficulties before her death, with the 'main one' being her relationship. Her partner struggled with alcohol and substance misuse, leading to frequent rows and causing Ellie severe distress.
On one occasion, after a row, Ellie threatened to take pills and was later found at her sister's home, prompting a domestic abuse risk assessment. In the weeks before her death, she was described as being in a 'low mood, irritable and tired'.
The inquest also heard that Ellie was struggling to cope with the loss of her grandmother in 2025 and had difficulty sleeping. Despite this, she made plans for the future, including a family holiday and a driving test.
On January 17, 2026, Ellie and her partner argued, leading him to go out drinking. When he returned the next morning, he found her deceased. Neighbours heard him crying out, 'I can't live without her'.
Area coroner Kate Bisset concluded that the relationship contributed to a deterioration in Ellie's health and wellbeing, and that she would not have taken her own life if she were well and happy.
