Up to 37 searches for "suicide note quotes" were found on a mobile phone after a former Newcastle United Women's goalkeeper took her own life.
Dominyka Podziute died at her home in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, on April 12 this year. An inquest into the 21-year-old's death heard how she had sent a Snapchat message to a female friend before she passed away.
The hearing, at County Durham and Darlington Coroner's Court, heard how her family had contacted police after they struggled to get in touch with her. Her dad and her sister visited her property on Alcott Grove but they were unable to get a response.
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Officers arrived at the address, broke into the property and found Dominyka hanging. A paramedic from the North East Ambulance Service attended the scene and confirmed that she had died.
The court, sitting at the Civic Centre in Crook, County Durham, heard how her family had been sent a screenshot from Snapchat by a female, thought to be one of Dominyka's friends.
James Thompson, Assistant Coroner for County Durham and Darlington, told the court how officers continued their search and they came across an iPhone on which searches had been made. He said: "The police officer comments there were searches made for 'suicide note quotes' and there were 37 searches as I understand it in respect of that. The police did not discover any suicide notes during the search of the premises."
The coroner told the inquest how Durham Constabulary did not believe there to be any third party involvement. He said they concluded that Dominyka had taken her own life by hanging after her last contact with her family. Coroner Thompson said: "I accept the police report."
In a statement, read to the court by the coroner, PC Parkins told the court how Dominyka's sister had called the force's control room with concerns for her. He said Dominyka had last been seen by her father on the 10th April and since then no one had heard or seen her.
He said: "She attended after work as a delivery driver at about 7pm. There was some decision about access to vehicles and effectively the father had said that Dominyka could use his car while repairs are carried out on her vehicle. Her father states he had no concerns for his daughter at that stage. There's then a text message exchange, a general conversation in relation to football training.
"The last message sent by Dominyka's father was a message which he says 'please come over for coffee' and this message is not replied to. Due to the lack of contact with his daughter they've attended her address due to being concerned."
PC Parkins said that while they were outside the property a message was sent to them from a female who they did not know but believe to be Dominyka's friend. He said it was a screenshot of the Snapchat message. The court heard how she had last been seen by a neighbour on April 9.
The inquest heard how Dominyka, who was born in Lithuania, had a history of depression and self harm. She had previously taken an overdose in 2019 and had also previously told a counsellor that she wanted to die.
The hearing heard how she was discharged from Talking Changes after failing to attend a telephone appointment or make any contact with them. GP notes from February this year, recorded that she had no thoughts of self harm or suicide.
The court heard how her family said there was no reason for them to believe she was depressed at that time. In his statement, PC Parkins said: "They stated to the police that although Dominyka suffered with depression they did not notice any sign that she was depressed."
The inquest heard how Dr Nigel Cooper pathologist carried out a post mortem examination at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle following her death. He concluded that Dominyka had died as a result of pressure on the neck due to hanging. Coroner Thompson told the court he accepted Dr Cooper's cause of death.
He said that Dominyka had sent a message to a friend in which she said she couldn't be in pain any longer and after this there will no longer be pain. He said no fair well messages were discovered but there were up to 37 searches on a mobile for 'suicide note quotes'.
The coroner concluded that Dominyka had died on April 12 after hanging herself and that action had caused her death. He concluded that she died as a result of suicide.
Dominyka was well-known across the North-East. She played for Newcastle United as well as Hartlepool and Seaham Coast. She had recently signed to play for Chester le Street Town, a Northern League Division 2 team based in Hartlepool.
At the time of her death, they said: "It is with deep sadness that we have today learned that Dominyka Podziute who recently signed for our Ladies section @CLSTladies1 from Hartlepool United Women @Official_HUWFC has sadly passed away. Thoughts and condolences are with her family and playing colleagues at this time."
Newcastle Women's Twitter account paid tribute to her, posting: "We are devastated to hear of the passing of our former player Dominyka Podziute. Dom was a much loved member of the squad during her time at the club, and will be sorely missed across North East football. Our thoughts are with Dom’s family and friends at this difficult time."
Newcastle Men's team also wrote: "Extremely sad news. Rest in peace, Dom.
Hartlepool United's Women's side said: "We are saddened to hear the news that one of our former players Dominyka Podziute has sadly passed away, our thoughts and sincere condolences are with her family at this deeply sad time."
Players, coaches and staff from all of Podziute's former teams were invited to Chester le Street Town's stadium to lay flowers on the pitch in her honour.
For confidential support from volunteers, including for suicidal thoughts, Samaritans can be contacted free, on 116 123 or by email to jo@samaritans.org
In the North East, If U Care Share Foundation supports those bereaved by suicide and works towards suicide prevention.
Anyone experiencing mental health problems should also contact their GP for help.
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