In 2013, it was discovered that the coroner, Suzanne Greenaway, who’d overseen Amy Winehouse’s inquest, wasn’t qualified to conduct them. A second was held, but it ended with the same result. Dr. Shirley Radcliffe determined no foul play had occurred and recorded a verdict of “death by misadventure.” Radcliffe also listed “alcohol toxicity” as the primary cause of death, noting the empty vodka bottles on the floor. “She voluntarily consumed alcohol, a deliberate act that took an unexpected turn in that it caused her death,” Radcliffe said.
Many of the same details from the first inquest were repeated: Amy’s blood level was more than five times over the UK’s legal drink-driving limit of 80 milligrams per 100 milliliters. The singer’s was 416 per 100, which, Radcliffe explained, was a potentially deadly level and enough to cause a person to slip into a coma.
Amy’s general practitioner, Dr. Christina Romete, swore in a written statement that Amy had not intentionally taken her own life. In fact, she had seen her just the night before, and “she specifically said she did not want to die,” Romete insisted (via BBC). Meanwhile, following her verdict, Radcliffe expressed great sadness at the loss of “a talented woman at such a young age.”
Amy’s parents declined to attend the second inquiry “I’m not putting my family through it again,” Mitch told The Evening Standard.”Right now I’d say I won’t go. And the result will be just the same.”
If you need help with an eating disorder, or know someone who does, help is available. Visit the National Eating Disorders Association website or contact NEDA’s Live Helpline at 1-800-931-2237. You can also receive 24/7 Crisis Support via text (send NEDA to 741-741).
If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
