Shocking Horror in Walthamstow: Elderly Mum Caught Pushing Daughter’s Dead Body in Wheelchair – Over a Year After Her Death
Disturbing Scene at 17&Central Shopping Centre
On November 7, 2023, police made a chilling discovery in Walthamstow’s 17&Central shopping centre. Joan Kathleen Turnell, 77, was found wheeling her daughter Tracey’s decomposed body wrapped in a red coat in a wheelchair near Peacocks.
Joan reportedly tried to convince housing officers her daughter was still alive by keeping the body hidden – but the foul smell and fly infestation gave the grim secret away.
Tragic Family Secret Uncovered
The East London Coroner’s Court heard that Tracey, wheelchair-bound with a curved spine and multiple disabilities, had been dead in their Leyton flat for at least a year before Joan moved her body outside.
Neighbours complained for months about “horrendous smells” and flies swarming their home on Whitehouse Mews. Housing officers’ visits were met with suspicion and refusal of entry by Joan.
When Joan appeared outside pushing the wheelchair, the horrific truth was revealed, prompting her immediate sectioning under the Mental Health Act.
Horrific Conditions and Mental Health Battle
Police described the flat as an “extremely hazardous environment” covered in faeces and bodily fluids, riddled with rodents and insects.
Joan was later diagnosed with prolonged grief disorder and a brain tumour. Despite the grim circumstances, she was never charged with preventing the lawful burial of her daughter.
Living Off the Grid: A Life of Isolation
- Tracey Turnell was born in October 1971 and attended Highams Park school but had no friends or partners.
- Both women lived completely off the grid—no government documents, no GP visits, no internet, phone, or photos.
- Identifying Tracey required DNA testing due to their secretive lifestyle.
Joan’s Heartbreaking Explanation
“Why can’t they just leave us alone? We have been fine and I have been looking after her,” Joan said.
“I did not cause my daughter’s death. I don’t know how she died. I didn’t call an ambulance because I knew it wouldn’t help. I kept Tracey with me because I couldn’t bear to part with her. I loved her too much.”
She recalled watching a film with Tracey in September 2022, only to realise her daughter had passed shortly after.
Cause of Death Remains a Mystery
The body was too decomposed for a cause of death to be determined. Senior coroner Graeme Irvine declared the verdict open and unascertained.
“I haven’t the first clue how Miss Turnell died and therefore must leave the cause as unascertained,” he said.
Authorities Slammed for Failed Intervention
Waltham Forest Council was heavily criticised for missing multiple chances to help Joan and Tracey sooner. The coroner warned that the tragic case highlighted serious failings in protecting vulnerable people.
“The very tragic and concerning circumstances under which Miss Turnell’s death was discovered have caused me grave concerns,” said Graeme Irvine.
What’s Next?
Officials promise a full review of policies on vulnerable residents and housing inspections to stop similar horrors happening again.
If you suspect someone is living in isolation or struggling with mental health, report it to local authorities immediately.
