Superyacht stewardess, 21, took her own life after row with her on-off boyfriend when they downed wine and took cocaine, inquest hears
An inquest heard that Imogen Amesbury, a 21-year-old superyacht stewardess from Lyme Regis, died after an argument with her on-off boyfriend, Andrew Hewitt, in January 2022. The case highlights concerns about responding to expressed suicidal intent, particularly where alcohol, drugs and a history of mental-health difficulties are involved.
The hearing was told the pair had consumed two bottles of wine and that Ms Amesbury had taken cocaine before their dispute. After Mr Hewitt left at about 4.10am, she later told him by phone that she wanted to die; he did not alert her family or authorities, believing it to be an empty threat. Ms Amesbury had previously self-harmed and received treatment in 2021, though relatives said she had returned from yacht work in good spirits and was making plans; police took no further action against anyone.
- Inquest hears stewardess died after a relationship row.
- Alcohol, cocaine and prior mental-health struggles were discussed.
- Police took no further action after investigating.
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Inquests examine the circumstances of a death and hear evidence from people involved, but they do not decide criminal guilt. This hearing concerned Imogen Amesbury, a young woman from Lyme Regis who worked as a stewardess on superyachts, and her relationship with Andrew Hewitt.
The evidence described a relationship that had been on and off, and a history of mental-health difficulties and self-harm. It also raised questions about how people respond when someone says they may take their own life, especially when alcohol or drugs are involved.