Mom and Teen Daughter Found Dead Almost 4 Months After Call for Ambulance That Never Came

Mother and Daughter Found Deceased Nearly Four Months After Unanswered Ambulance Call

In a tragic turn of events, a mother and her teenage daughter were discovered deceased in their residence almost four months after the desperate mother had called for an ambulance that never arrived. The distressing incident has raised questions about the emergency response system and the support available to vulnerable individuals in need.

Alphonsine Djiako Leuga, aged 47, and her daughter, Loraine Choulla, 18, were found lifeless on May 21, 2024, at their home in Radford, Nottingham, prompting an ongoing inquest into the circumstances surrounding their untimely deaths. The heartbreaking revelation came to light during a hearing at Nottingham Coroner’s Court, as reported by various news outlets including the BBC, The Guardian, and ITV News.

The grim discovery unfolded months after Leuga had dialled England’s emergency number, 999, seeking urgent assistance for herself and her daughter. Suffering from sickle cell anaemia, the distressed mother informed the dispatcher that she was immobile and in need of medical help. Tragically, the call ended without the much-needed ambulance deployment, leaving the vulnerable pair stranded.

As revelations emerged during the inquest, it was disclosed that Leuga had been hospitalized for a respiratory infection in January 2024 but discharged prematurely to care for her daughter, who had developmental challenges including learning disabilities and Down syndrome. The duo’s reliance on each other was evident, with Loraine being entirely dependent on her mother for support and care.

Further distressing details indicated that in the years leading up to their deaths, Leuga restricted access to external support services, fearing separation from her daughter. Elvira Choulla, Leuga’s eldest daughter, disclosed in a poignant letter that her mother had withdrawn Loraine from school, believing she was being neglected. Despite strained familial relationships at times, Elvira attested to her mother’s unwavering love and dedication to Loraine.

The intriguing narrative shed light on the final interactions between family members, with Elvira recounting the dwindling contact with her mother and sister following a trip to Africa taken without prior notice. Concerns grew as attempts to reach Leuga remained futile, culminating in the harrowing discovery of their demise. The opaque circumstances surrounding their deaths have left lingering questions about the adequacy of support for vulnerable individuals in society.

During the inquest proceedings, Dr Stuart Hamilton, a pathologist, speculated that the mother-daughter pair could have perished “weeks to months” before being found, with pneumonia cited as the cause of Leuga’s death. However, the precise reason behind Loraine’s passing remains undetermined, adding complexity to the tragic narrative that unfolded in their modest home.

As the investigation continues to unravel the layers of this heartbreaking saga, it serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of timely and compassionate responses to individuals in distress. The community is left mourning the loss of Alphonsine Djiako Leuga and Loraine Choulla, as their story resonates with profound sadness and prompts reflection on the support structures available to those most in need.