Inquest hears depression led to missing woman’s death

Thursday 14 December 2017

An inquest into the death of 75 year old Valerie Jehan, whose disappearance sparked a major public search earlier this year, has concluded that she took her own life, when suffering from depression.

Mrs Jehan was first reported missing to police on Friday 3 March.

The inquest heard that she had eaten breakfast with her husband in the morning and watched TV. When her husband went into the bathroom she tapped on the door and said, “…I’m off.” Mr Jehan asked for her to wait so he could go with her, but she replied, “No, no.. it’s ok I’m going now.”

A statement from her husband of 16 years said he had no cause for concern, as she seemed very happy the day before she went missing. Whilst driving they had spoken about all the old places they used to go, “…she was as happy as anything.”

Around 12:45 he received a blank text from Mrs Jehan’s mobile phone. He tried to call her back but had no response, he called the police a few hours later as she hadn’t returned home.

Police and rescue services launched a major search on the north coast after witnesses reported sightings of her on a bus, and at Devil's Hole. It uncovered a black handbag on the sheer cliff face. Her body was discovered in the sea nine days later by a fisherman off Noirmont.

Pictured: Search and rescue teams searching Devil's Hole in March 2017

Home Office forensic pathologist, Dr Russell Delaney found that chest and head injuries led to Mrs Jehan’s death.

The inquest heard witness statements of the day Mrs Jehan had gone missing. A former colleague had seen her walking to the bus stop by West Park. She described the 75 year old as always colourful so it was unusual to see her all dressed in black. And a passer-by described Mrs Jehan as “talking to herself and looking lost” when she was on the pathway at Devil’s Hole.

Pictured: Jersey Police released an image of Valerie Jehan on a bus to Devil's Hole when she went missing

The inquest heard that Mrs Jehan had a history of depression but more recently had appeared well-motivated and had plans to join social clubs.

When summing up Advocate Cyril Whelan said Mrs Jehan was, “…overwhelmed by depression. It is clear she had support and companionship of her husband, and she received close and constant support from mental health professionals.

“Experience has shown it’s not uncommon for those in a depressive state to appear more positive ahead of a suicidal act. (...) She took her own life while suffering from low mood, anxiety and depression.”