The body of a young woman described as “beautiful and talented” was found in her residence in Bolton a year after her passing, according to details presented at Bolton Coroner’s Court. Charlotte Leader, 23, was discovered deceased in her flat on Newbury Walk, Bolton, Greater Manchester, during a welfare check by the authorities on August 6.
Family members, including Charlotte’s mother Chantay Simm, recounted that they had not been in contact with Charlotte since September 2021, and despite their efforts to locate her, she remained elusive. Neighbors informed the police that they never saw Charlotte leaving her home.
In a social media tribute, Charlotte’s family expressed their love for her, highlighting her musical talents in playing the guitar and keyboard, as well as her passion for art. They described her as a cherished individual who would be deeply missed.
During the court proceedings, Assistant Coroner Stephen Teasdale disclosed that Charlotte had been struggling with mental health issues, leading her to distance herself from family and mental health services over time. He noted that Charlotte had rejected a mental health appointment in 2022 and had not engaged with services thereafter. The absence of illicit drugs at the scene and the lack of concerning content in her diaries were also confirmed.
Charlotte’s sister, Caroline Calow, revealed that Charlotte had a history of eating disorders, specifically bulimia, from a young age. She mentioned that the flat showed no signs of medication and appeared well-maintained, indicating a caring attitude rather than a sense of resignation.
Investigations revealed a collection of letters behind the front door and food with sell-by dates in 2024 inside the fridge. Charlotte’s body was ultimately found beneath her duvet.
Detective Inspector Paul Quinn described the flat as minimally furnished and exceptionally clean, with no indicators suggesting self-harm or any untoward actions by Charlotte. Additionally, boxes of a detox cleanser were discovered at the scene.
DI Quinn informed the court that Charlotte’s phone interactions were limited to ChatGPT, a chatbot she had sought assistance from. The last message from Charlotte, dated July 30, 2024, expressed frustration about unwanted food, to which the bot responded with empathetic confusion.
Dr. Andrew Coates, a pathologist at Royal Bolton Hospital, mentioned the challenges of examining Charlotte’s remains due to mummification, a natural process over an extended period.
Concluding the inquiry, Mr. Teasdale issued an open verdict, citing insufficient evidence to determine the exact cause of Charlotte’s death.