A YOUNG soldier found hanged at an Army base had promised to call her son just hours before taking her own life, an inquest heard.
Sophie Madden, 23, was discovered in the shower block at the Overhill Training Centre at St Martin's Plain Camp near Folkestone on June 10.
The Gunner had been out drinking with friends the night before her death and appeared "totally normal", an inquest was told.
She visited three bars over the course of the evening where she was described as "chatty" and "enjoying herself".
She then made her way back to the camp between 12.10am and 12.30am where she played pool with some of the other soldiers.
The mum-of-one returned to her room alone where the hearing was told she phoned her sister Chantelle Madden, who was caring for her son.
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Sophie asked to speak to the boy but as he was asleep at the time, she told her sister she loved her and promised she'd ring back to speak to him in the morning.
Tragically, the soldier, who was serving in the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, was found at around 9.35am.
Sophie's cause of death was given as suspension.
Chantelle said the news of Sophie's death was a "total surprise" and that her sister was "so well loved".
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She explained Sophie was stressed her phone was broken and that she was facing a bill for damages caused by her pet dog at her previous Army accommodation.
In a statement, Chantelle added: "Sophie was a strong, independent woman, and didn't tend to worry about things.
"I told her I'd send her some money and a spare phone the next day, but I didn't have any concerns for her safety or mental health."
A toxicology report found she had 173mg of alcohol per 100ml in her blood at the time of her death – twice the legal driving limit.
Detective Sergeant Andrew West of Kent Police found there were no signs of third party involvement or criminal activity.
The inquest was told Sophie was previously placed on the vulnerability register in May 2020 after she banged her head against the wall while drunk.
But she was removed from the register this year after a mandatory two-year observation period.
You’re Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
- Movember, www.uk.movember.com
- Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm
Ministry of Defence GP Dr John Clark also revealed Sophie had no history of mental health problems and took no regular medication other than the contraceptive pill.
The inquest was told there were rumours she had a troubled childhood.
In a statement given to police, Sophie's sister described her as a "strong, independent woman who did not worry about things."
Ruling a verdict of suicide, Coroner Katrina Hepburn said: "I'm satisfied it was Sophie who did the act … and there is no evidence of anyone else being involved.
"I have to consider whether Sophie intended to take her own life or if it was a cry for help.
"There is no evidence she was expecting anyone to come in and didn't tell anyone she was feeling in any way suicidal, or made anyone aware of any issues when she went in.
"I am satisfied she did in fact intend to take her own life, and satisfied all other scenarios have been ruled out. Therefore a conclusion of suicide is needed on the balance of probability."
The 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery said previously: "Gunner Madden was a highly valued member of D Battery RHA.
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"Her resilience and professionalism were an example to us all, and will live on as her legacy here and across the Gunner family.
"Our thoughts are with her family and ask that they are given space at this difficult time."
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
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