The 18-year-old daughter of Port Vale boss Darrell Clarke was an "an intelligent young lady with ambition", said a coroner as she delivered her findings over her tragic death. Ellie Clarke was described by coroner Fiona Gingell as someone who was much-loved by all her knew her and is sadly missed.
Ms Gingel said to those who heard her inquest conclusion on Tuesday (November 22) over a virtual link to Nottinghamshire's coroner's court: "I take the opportunity to offer my personal and sincere condolences to her family in respect of her loss. I am dreadfully sad to have met you in these circumstances."
Ellie's death, on Valentine's Day this year, was medically determined as asphyxiation by hanging and the conclusion found by the coroner was suicide. But in reaching her finding she explored events leading up to the death.
READ MORE: Tragic final moments of 'kind' teenage daughter of football boss
Ellie was found at her boyfriend's flat in Mansfield by a policewoman. Attempts were made to save her but she was pronounced dead.
Ms Gingell said it was clear to her Ellie was an intelligent young lady who had insight into her troubles, was open to advice and interventions, and wanted to deal with her troubles and was open to services.
"I find she died by her own hand," added Ms Gingell, adding it was likely an impulsive intention during an acute period of stress and crisis, in line with a history of impulsive acts.
Ellie was not open to mental health services a the time of her death but there were previously three points of contact with them in 2021. She had been referred for one-to-one psychotherapy work on stabilisation and resilience by the mental health service.
She was waiting for this to start and was taking antidepressants from her GP.
During the pen portrait section of the inquest her mum, Miss Iveson, had said: "Ellie was a loved sister, granddaughter, niece and friend, she was the best big sister to her siblings. Always there for advice and guidance, and to tell them off as well.
"The moment I heard the words 'She's gone' was the very moment our hearts shattered into pieces and our world as we knew it turned to darkness. We are grateful to the coroner for her thorough investigation into Ellie's death."
Before her "tragic" death, Ellie had applied to study Veterinary nursing at Nottingham Trent University due to her love for animals. Her mum added: "She checked her emails everyday for the future she was excited for."
Miss Iveson explained that "Ellie was a selfless person, a girl struggling herself, but still wanted to help others. Just a wonderful beautiful soul.
"I do not want Ellie to be remembered by the way she left. We are grateful to the coroner for her thorough investigation into Ellie's death."
A pen portrait that was written by Ellie's stepmum, Mrs Clarke, was read to the court by Coroner Gingell, and said: "Ellie has been part of my life since 2009 when I met my husband Darrell. She was a happy girl with an imagination so strong.
"I would make sure that when we were all together we would have family time. I was always so proud of her sense of family and love for her family.
"I can remember Ellie coming down after she had completed her exams and she had shown me her CV. She was excited to start college as she wanted to be a veterinary nurse and was so determined to do well."
Mr Clarke did not wish to have his pen portrait of Ellie read, and had instead told the coroner: "I would like to say thank you for the questions you have asked." He added afterwards that "I feel my daughter's voice was not heard when she was alive."
Earlier this year, the football manager and former player dedicated the Port Vale's League Two play-off final win to Ellie.
If you or someone you know needs support, the Samaritans is a registered charity which aims to provide emotional support to anyone in distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide. The charity run a 24 hour free helpline, which can be called on 116 123, but the charity can also be contacted by calling 020 8394 8300 or emailing admin@samaritans.org.
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