Mildenhall woman who went missing took own life, court told

Erin Hunnisett, 38, was reported missing after last being seen on the morning of December 31 last year. 

Her body was discovered in a woodland area north of Brandon Road in Mildenhall on January 3.

On Friday, an inquest into Ms Hunnisett’s death was brought to a close at Suffolk Coroners’ Court in Ipswich.

The court heard that Ms Hunnisett had a long term history of anxiety and low mood.

However, at the time of her death, she had been gradually weaning herself off her medication “in a slow and controlled way”, and had told her mother that she was “feeling better for it”.

She was, the court heard, a “quiet and shy” person, and that there was no warning that she was experiencing any thoughts of ending her life.

The inquest heard that Ms Hunnisett was a 'quiet and shy' person. Image: Suffolk Police (Image: Suffolk police)

At 8am on the morning of December 31, Ms Hunnisett finished working a night shift. It was, the court heard, a “normal” shift, and her colleagues had no reason to suspect anything was amiss.

Ms Hunnisett briefly visited her home before walking to a corner shop where she purchased a bottle of whiskey. From 8.45am, her phone was either switched off or had run out of battery. It is believed that she then walked to a nearby woodland area.

Ms Hunnisett’s family reported her missing when they were unable to contact her. A search was commenced, and Ms Hunnisett was discovered on January 3, deceased.

The court heard that a bag containing a pen and a magazine, on which a note had been written making it clear that Ms Hunnisett intended to take her own life, was found nearby.

Senior Coroner for Suffolk Nigel Parsley concluded that Ms Hunnisett had died from suicide.

If you need urgent mental health support call NHS 111 and select option 2 or the Samaritans on 116 123. Both services are available 24 hours 7 days a week.