A MUCH-LOVED mum took her own life, an inquest has heard.

Samantha Jayne Bradley, described by her family as 'beautiful and intelligent', died after lowering herself in front of a train at Winsford Station on September 6 last year, aged 46.

On Wednesday (March 6) assistant coroner Sarah Murphy ruled her death as suicide, describing it as an 'extremely tragic' case.

She said: “It is very clear to me that there was no way the family could have anticipated that this was going to happen.

“It is not the purpose of the inquest to establish why she did it. It can only be described as a complete mystery and a complete tragedy.

“I hope her family can take some comfort from the fact that 300 people attended her funeral.

“It is sad she thought she was socially isolated because clearly she was much-loved by lots of people. That makes her death so extremely tragic.”

Samantha, was born in Crewe on February 9, 1977, later living in Winsford, working as an administrator.

The inquest heard that she had struggled with PTSD, anxiety, depression and alcohol.

In June last year, she was taken to A&E by police after expressing suicidal intentions, with hospital staff noting she was exhibiting signs of alcohol withdrawal.

She was later discharged and self-referred to Via, a drug and alcohol support charity which she had been referred to three times prior.

Assistant coroner Miss Murphy said she showed a 'great deal of motivation and commitment' to the service and had gone 'above and beyond' by attending AA meetings.

On the day of her death, she had been called to arrange an alcohol test, with her family describing her as seeming “not herself”.

On September 6 last year, British Transport Police received a call to say a woman had been struck train at Winsford.

The driver told officers he applied the emergency brakes after a woman began lowering herself onto the tracks.

Less than an hour earlier Samantha had texted her mother, Karen Astbury, who responded, reminding her of how well she had been doing.

Speaking at the inquest, she said: “It was really unexpected.

“I know for a fact she wouldn’t have left her son. She loved him, loved her family, everyone.”

She added that her daughter had been staying with her and had not touched any alcohol.

“I’m really proud of how she was doing,” she said.

Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year, providing a safe place to talk for anyone who is struggling to cope.

Call 116 123 (this number is free to call and will not appear on your phone bill), 01204 521200 or email jo@samaritans.org.