The body of a mum who was reported missing after her coat and bag were found on a beach in Ireland was discovered at Blackpool a month later in what has been described as 'a mystery'.
Bernadette Mary Connolly, who was born in Dublin, was reported missing by her family on January 7 of this year.
Just a few weeks later, on February 4, a body discovered on the beach at Blackpool was confirmed to be Bernadette's after an analysis comparing samples taken from the body with her daughter Jade's DNA.
Read More: Daughter pays Mother's Day tribute to tragic Bernadette Connolly
An inquest at Blackpool Town Hall on Tuesday heard the 49-year-old's coat and handbag, which contained her mobile phone, had been discovered at Donabate Beach near Dublin, Lancs Live reports.
Bernadette, who had worked as an airport security personnel at Dublin Airport for 17 years, had 'no mental health issues' and her family were adamant that she would not have taken her own life.
Senior Coroner Alan Wilson heard how Bernadette, of Berwick Avenue in Dublin, was last seen when she was dropped off by a taxi at the car park of the Shoreline Hotel in Donabate at around 11.50am on January 7 and walked towards the entrance to Donabate Beach.
Less than an hour later, at 12.38pm, Bernadette took a photo on her phone of Malahide Bay and was never seen again.
"At 2.49pm on Friday February 4 a call was made to the police regarding the discovery of a body washed up on the promenade at Blackpool close to the steps leading down to the beach," the coroner said.
"This lady had been found because the tide had receded and there was nothing to indicate she had been the victim of a crime."
An investigation, led by the gardai and with assistance from Lancashire Constabulary, concluded that there were no suspicious circumstances or evidence of third-party involvement in Bernadette's death.
Because of the 'extensive decomposition' of her body, a pathologist was unable to determine a medical cause of death.
In a report to the coroner Bernadette's GP, Dr Ellen Jones, said she had 'never expressed anything about ending her own life'.
Although she had some long-standing medical issues, there was no suggestion she was suicidal.
The days leading up to her disappearance were described by her family as 'routine' and on January 6, the day before she went missing, she had made a 'not insignificant' contribution to her health insurance premium.
In a statement, Bernadette's daughter Jade said her mum was 'intelligent, independent and kind'.
Bernadette had lived with her parents since Jade was born and the pair were described as 'inseparable'.
On the morning of January 7, described during the inquest as 'no different to any other day', Bernadette made breakfast, had a cup of tea with her parents at around 10.30am and then said she 'fancied going out'. Her demeanour 'didn't raise any flags', the coroner said.
At around 5pm a member of the public found Bernadette's coat and bag on the beach at Donabate which led to police visiting her father to inform them of the discovery.
A large-scale search was launched, involving drones, police dogs, helicopters and the coastguard, but there was no sign of Bernadette until her body was found in Blackpool on February 4.
The inquest heard that Bernadette, who could swim, had 'lots to look forward to' including a new career since accepting redundancy during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The coroner said: "She had some long-standing medical issues but she had no long-standing history of mental health issues.
"This lady had a lot to look forward to; she had a new career, she didn't have any financial concerns, she had a loving family, she had enjoyed a nice Christmas and she had recently paid her health insurance. Did she die as a result of her own actions or did she intend to end her life? I cannot say that."
Unable to reach a conclusion of suicide, misadventure or accidental death, the coroner returned a narrative conclusion.
He said: "Bernadette Connolly unexpectedly went missing on January 7. Her clothing was located on Donabate Beach and despite an extensive search she could not be located until the afternoon of Friday February 4 when her body was located by the seawall.
"She probably entered the sea but it cannot be established how or why."
In a tribute to her mum after her body was found in Blackpool Jade said: "Our bond is unbreakable, it is so, so strong. We're the best of friends who shared many laughs, many cries, highs and lows. Countless memories that will live on forever and I promise to make many more for us both. I wanted to say how proud I am to be your daughter. My teacher, my protector, my world."
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