Tricky’s daughter found hanged after singer, 24, suffered ‘mental episode’ and thought people laughed at her during gig
RAPPER Tricky's daughter was found hanged after the young singer, 24, believed people were laughing at her during a gig.
Talented Mina Topley-Bird died in hospital after she suffered a serious mental health episode on a train after the performance, an inquest has heard today.
She had performed with her band in Newcastle days before she was found dead at West Park Hospital in Darlington.
Detective Sergeant John Tyers said in a statement to the coroner the young woman had felt her last performance with band 404 went badly and the audience "laughed" at her.
And the inquest heard Ms Topley-Bird, the daughter of trip hop pioneer Tricky, of group Massive Attack, and singer Martina Topley-Bird, then fell ill as she travelled back to her home in London.
She then got off the train at Darlington.
Friend and bandmate Brendan Murphy managed to get her to hospital after she tried to walk in front of cars, the inquest heard.
Mr Murphy rushed Ms Topley-Bird to A&E - but when they arrived, she attempted to harm herself again.
She was then transferred to a secure ward voluntarily, jurors heard.
Outlining the case to the jury, coroner James Thompson said: "She was well-travelled and clearly a talented young woman.
"She was a musician and a member of a band.
"She had sadly suffered from mental illness for some years."
Ms Topley-Bird had received treatment for her mental health before she was under the care of medics in Darlington in the last days of her life.
You're not alone
Every 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, , 116 123
Hospital staff tragically found Ms Topley-Bird hanged in her room around 4pm on May 8 2019.
Despite their efforts, she couldn't be saved.
In a statement, Mr Murphy said he realised his friend was unwell after the performance.
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She became agitated on the journey back to London, and later told him she'd attempted to open the carriage door as the train was moving, he said.
Jurors will be asked to consider how information about Ms Topley-Bird was shared with London health services, and what measures were taken to transfer her back home.
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The inquest, expected to last four days, continues.
- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.