A heavily pregnant mother died after deliberately exiting a ninth-floor window at a Leeds tower block, but an inquest has found her intention at the time could not be determined. Emma Atkinson, 38, fell from Shakespeare Towers in the Burmantofts area of Leeds on October 22, 2024, while visiting her father, David Atkinson, at his ninth-floor flat. An inquest heard Emma had been sitting on the back of a chair beside the window, smoking a cigarette, when she asked her father how the window opened. Her father told the hearing that Emma removed the safety catches and opened the window fully, telling him she was “just getting some air”. Moments later, she reportedly said “I’m off” before going out of the window.
CCTV captured fall from ninth floor
The incident was captured on CCTV at around 10.20am. Detective Constable Emily Parnham told the inquest that Emma “did not appear distressed” on the footage. Police investigated the circumstances surrounding her death and found no evidence of any third-party involvement. Emergency services rushed to Shakespeare Towers following the fall. Paramedics performed CPR in an effort to save Emma’s unborn child before she was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary. Doctors carried out an emergency Caesarean section within around 30 minutes.
Baby survived after emergency C-section
Emma’s daughter survived despite suffering serious injuries, including a punctured lung and fractured tibia. The inquest heard that the baby subsequently made an “unexpected and much welcomed” recovery. She is now being raised by members of Emma’s family. The hearing was told Emma had a history of self-harm and had previously taken an overdose. She had also recently missed a court hearing in relation to a shoplifting matter, which her father said had been causing her stress. However, her family told the inquest that Emma had been excited about her pregnancy, loved her children and had been making plans for the future.
Coroner could not determine intention
Assistant Coroner Naomi McLoughlin recorded a narrative conclusion. The coroner concluded that Emma deliberately exited the window but that her intention in doing so could not be determined. Evidence considered by the coroner included Emma’s deliberate removal of the window safety catches and the manner of her fall. However, the absence of recent mental-health warning signs and evidence of Emma’s positive plans for the future were also considered. Her devastated family described Emma as a loving mother and said she “would never have intentionally left her children behind”. Her daughter survived the tragedy and remains in the care of family members.
