Camden News: Gabrielle Fischer | Gospel Oak | Inquest | Multiple Sclerosis

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Camden News - by TOM FOOT
Published: 23 December 2008

Book on ‘assisted suicide’ found beside dead woman

Coroner hears evidence that MS sufferer was ‘socially isolated’

A MULTIPLE sclerosis sufferer was found dead at her home in Gospel Oak with a suicide manual by her side, an inquest heard.
Wheelchair user Gabrielle Fischer, 40, was discovered by former partner Peter Cunningham in her home in Wendling estate in September.
Diagnosed with MS in 2001 and Ms Fischer also had a long-standing history of Crohn’s disease. She was described by her doctor as “socially isolated” on account of her illness.
An unsigned suicide note, an empty box of sleeping pills and a book about “assisted suicide” were retrieved from the room in which she was found.
But coroner Dr Andrew Reid ruled out suicide at the inquest at St Pancras Coroner’s Court on Thursday.
He said: “The suicide note suggested intent and there was an awful lot of medication in the flat. But the Home Office pathologist is unable to make a specific conclusion about the cause of death.
“The cause is unascertained and there is no evidence that proves how she died. I cannot be sure she intended to take her life.”
Assisted suicide is an illegal act where an individual, who may otherwise be incapable, is given drugs or equipment to commit suicide.
Also known as dying with dignity, some sufferers of multiple sclerosis are campaigning for the process to be legalised in this country.
The inquest heard how Mr Cunningham, who used to live with Ms Fischer before she was diagnosed with her illnesses, had arranged to take her food on Sunday morning.
Ms Fischer had refused care from social services, and Mr Cunningham said he had helped out with daily chores. He became alarmed after Ms Fischer failed to answer telephone calls and the door bell.
He told the court: “I was starting to get very worried about her.
“I had keys and I let myself in. She was in the sitting room sitting in front of the television.
“She had left a note and there was an empty packet of pills in her bin.”
He added: “If she went out it was in a wheelchair. She could use the computer and shuffle about on her feet in the flat.”
Written evidence from her GP Dr Phyllis Turvill, read to the court by Dr Reid, described Mr Fischer as “socially isolated and very intelligent”.
Police are treating the death as non suspicious.
Verdict: Open

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