Burford mother died after taking prescription drug overdose

Amie Hicks, a café assistant, died on January 7 in the John Radcliffe Hospital in Headington.

The inquest heard that Ms Hicks’ cause of death was a cardiac arrest.

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The inquest heard that Ms Hicks consumed the substances in the early hours of January 5.

Her partner found her unresponsive and started chest compressions, before calling an ambulance at 1.58am.

The ambulance crew were on scene around 20 minutes later and took her to the John Radcliffe Hospital.

A GP report read out at the inquest stated that Ms Hicks had had difficulties with her mental health.

Oxfordshire’s chief coroner, Darren Salter told the inquest that although it was clear that Ms Hicks took the substances herself it was not possible to determine whether she had done so with an intent to take her own life.

He therefore gave an open conclusion on the basis that there was not enough evidence to prove either way.

Mr Salter said: “In the early hours of January 5, Amie Hicks took an overdose of prescribed medication at her home address in Burford.

“She was taken by ambulance to the John Radcliffe Hospital but subsequently deteriorated and died.

“The evidence does not show whether she intended the outcome to be fatal.”

The Samaritans helpline for 24 hour support is 116 123.