Samantha Tingle: Inquest of former Ely pharmacy worker

Samantha Tingle, known as Sam, moved to the city in her 20s after her fashion design course, and began working in a pub there. She then worked at the Debenhams before starting her job at Boots.

On June 28 last year, the 56-year-old's body was found in her bedroom at her rented accommodation at King’s Lynn Caravan and Camping Park

Paramedics were unable to perform CPR on the An inquest into her death held at Norfolk Coroner’s Court, heard that the cause of death was unable to be ascertained during a post mortem. 

An inquest was held into the death of Samantha Tingle (Image: funeral-notices.co.uk) Her sister, Jane Tingle, appeared at the Norwich-based court via a video link and listened as a statement provided by her was read out.

She described how they had been “loving sisters” growing up, despite an eight-year age difference

“This never hindered our sibling relationship, and we got on well as loving sisters," she said.

The court heard how Sam left school aged 16 and went on to study fashion design for two years before undertaking an apprenticeship in hospitality in London. 

She eventually moved to Ely, where she began working in the pharmacy section of Boots. 

She developed a “good social circle” and spent the next 20 years living with a long-term partner. 

An inquest was held into the death of Samantha Tingle (Image: funeral-notices.co.uk) In 2019, Jane explained how she first became aware of Sam’s struggles.

She said: “I found out that [Sam's partner] ended their relationship that year because her drinking had escalated.

“Looking back, I think she put the blame on him to cover up the drink problem and he kept quiet out of loyalty to her. 

“He couldn’t cope with the ‘excessive drinking’ and said it had been going on for years to some degree and that it got too much too often.” 

In June that year, their mother died, followed by their father the following September. 

Jane said: “When lockdown came in the early part of 2020, Sam was still working at the pharmacy in Boots finding it very stressful; the threat of the virus and the fact that some customers were unpleasant.” 

Half way through the year, she was suspended after being caught drinking at work. 

“I know she had been supported by her colleagues and Boots did not sack her, opting to give her another chance," Jane continued.

“They also put help in place for them to support her." 

Following their father’s death, Sam’s drinking “was obvious” and in December 2021 she was caught drinking at work again and was dismissed from her position. 

From here, her mental health continued to decline.

Jane added: “I don’t know what caused Sam’s alcohol use to escalate into addiction but sadly once it did - coupled with traumatic life events such as our parents' death and Covid – it seemed unstoppable. 

“A number of people tried to help and support her to stop, but unfortunately she always returned to alcohol and recent outside influences were not helpful to the situation.  

“My sister was a lovely person, as evidenced by the many friends and colleagues that attended her funeral and spoke fondly of her.  

“She will be missed by many.”  

Norfolk Coroner's Court (Image: Newsquest) In her conclusion and summing up, area coroner Yvonne Blake said: “Miss Tingle appears to have had a descent into increasingly frequent alcohol use which she appears to have hidden at first. 

“She appeared to have lived a somewhat chaotic lifestyle. 

“Sam's doctor knew she had a drink problem, but she declined support from support agencies. 

“Her sister tried very hard in the years leading up to her death to maintain contact with her sister.” 

Mrs Blake recorded an open conclusion.