A NEWLY qualified speech and language therapist struggling to find work killed herself, a coroner decided.

An inquest into the death of Lucy Reynolds, 26, of Storr Gardens, Hutton, concluded she took her own life after jumping in front of a train by a foot crossing in Mountnessing on November 19 last year.

Miss Reynolds who was educated to degree and masters level as a speech and language therapist had found it difficult to get a job in her preferred career, causing her some depression.

At about 9.25pm on the day of her death, a train driver contacted British Transport Police saying there was a body on the track.

Post mortem test results on Miss Reynolds determined she had been decapitated with BTP officers stating there was “no foul play” involved.

In her verdict, Caroline Beasley-Murray said: “I have come to the very sad conclusion that she intended to kill herself.

“I have to be sure that she formed an intention to take a deliberate action knowing it would result in her death and sadly I am sure this is the case.

“I will add a caveat that she did this while the balance of her mind was disturbed as I have come to the view that she wasn’t thinking straight.”

Inside a rucksack found with Miss Reynolds’ body were two letters she had written to relatives expressing her love of them.

Miss Reynolds’ parents Peter and Chuti and aunt Ingrid Lucas were present at the hearing, saying her tragic death came as a shock.

Ms Lucas said: “I had seen her every weekend in September and October helping my parents move to a new home and Lucy had been there every Saturday and Sunday doing this and doing that to help out.

“It is such a tragic loss because she had such a promising future.”

Her mother Chuti added: “There was no indication she would do such a thing. We were just as shocked as everyone else.”