A ROMSEY woman died after suffering a cardiac arrest due to high alcohol consumption, an inquest heard.

Susan Cail, 60, died on December 3, 2020, after being taken to Southampton General Hospital after members of the public found her unconscious at Romsey Abbey.

An ambulance was called and members of the public gave CPR until it arrived. Ms Cail, of Greatbridge Road, Romsey, was then taken to hospital by ambulance where she remained unconscious and died shortly after.

Following a post-mortem, pathologist Dr James reported that Ms Cail was three times over the drink drive limit. However, senior coroner Christopher Wilkinson suggested that at the time of death it would have been higher.

Dr James also reported that Ms Cail suffered a brain injury as a result of the cardiac arrest.

Mr Wilkinson determined the official cause of death to be from natural causes contributed by alcohol.

The inquest was told that Ms Cail had an atrial flutter which was managed by medication, as well as high blood pressure.

In a statement from Ms Cail’s GP Dr Boaden, read out by Mr Wilkinson, the inquest was told that she had been seeking help for previous alcohol problems.

Ms Cail had been going to meetings about this, however the lockdown meant that the sessions were carried out remotely.

It was determined that the increased alcohol consumption with heart problems and high blood pressure increased the risk of Ms Cail suffering a cardiac arrest.

In Mr Wilkinson’s conclusion, he said: “Susan Cail died on December 3, 2020, at Southampton General Hospital. She was found by a member of the public at a Romsey church and was found to be unconscious. The member of public gave CPR.

“She was found in cardiac arrest, and had been for 30 minutes until an ambulance arrived. Her heart stopped on two occasions and she was taken to hospital where she didn’t resume consciousness.

“This was due to alcohol intoxication with cardiac arrest due to her heart condition. She suffered a brain injury because of alcohol intoxication. The official cause of death is by natural causes contributed by alcohol.”

In a statement, Ms Cail’s daughter said: "Born in 1960 in Middlesbrough she spent her childhood in the countryside surrounded by horses and dogs, before later moving to Hampshire to raise her family near her Mother, Irene Cail.

"My Mother had an extensive career in the social care sector touching many lives. She loved her dogs, her garden, the countryside, but above all her family.

"A treasured Mother, Nanna, Sister, Friend and colleague whose presence is sorely missed every day. "