An inquest into the death of 42-year-old Joanna Orpin, a senior recruitment consultant from Ryde, has concluded she took her own life by jumping from Culver Cliff near Sandown.
A major search and rescue operation was launched in horrendous weather conditions on 13th February 2018 when Mrs Orpin was reported missing by her family. Her Audi car was found parked at the top of Culver prompting a full-scale sweep of the area involving Police, HM Coastguard and WightSAR.
Sadly, a 5-day search failed to locate Joanna and on 17th February her body was found at Bosham Quay, Chichester – some 15 miles from the Isle of Wight.
This week’s inquest, which was held in Newport, heard how Mrs Orpin was suffering from a severe depressive episode at the time of her death. Her mental health had declined but she was receiving treatment, which included daily visits to her home for a time.
At the time of Joanna’s disappearance, her partner was arrested by Police on suspicion of murder. He has since received an apology – on record- for this and has been exonerated of any involvement in Joanna’s death.
Last February’s search and recovery involved no less than 4 Coastguard Rescue Teams, Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 175, Bembridge RNLI, Selsey RNLI, Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat, multiple Police officers, specialist search advisors and dogs, the National Police Air Service helicopter, Hampshire Police Marine Unit, WightSAR, Lowland SAR drone unit and West Sussex Fire and Rescue’s Technical Rescue Team.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, you can call The Samaritans in confidence on 116 123. Help is at hand when you need it - you don’t have to be suicidal to get in touch.
