A mother of two tragically ended her life using what is commonly referred to as a ‘suicide kit’ that was delivered to her residence via Royal Mail, an inquest revealed.
Jane Colechin, a 44-year-old charity worker, was described as affectionate, highly intelligent, lively, and candid. However, she was privately grappling with severe anxiety. After a project she managed lost its funding, she was compelled to take time off from her charity job.
This setback prompted her to search online for a lethal chemical, which she subsequently ordered and had delivered to her house in Forest Gate, east London, where she lived with her partner Sean Gleeson and their twin sons.
Detective Constable Sam Drury from the Metropolitan Police disclosed that they were investigating Jane’s death as part of a broader inquiry into the substance. It was revealed that multiple individuals, including psychologist Zara Ampong-Appiah who passed away in April the previous year, had died after purchasing the chemical online.
During an inquest at East London Coroner’s Court, Detective Constable Drury stated, “I analyzed her phone for references to this substance and found 1,360 instances between December 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025. She also visited a website providing information on suicide and the chemical, as well as a Royal Mail tracking service for a package containing the substance.”
On New Year’s Eve 2024, Mr. Gleeson was away staying with friends in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire. Upon his return on January 1, he discovered Jane’s absence. A search of the residence led him to find her lifeless body in the basement. Despite calling for an ambulance, Jane was already deceased.
A toxicology report indicated that the chemical was present in Jane’s system at a level 46,860 times higher than normal for a fasting individual.
In his testimony to the inquest, Mr. Gleeson mentioned that he and Jane had discussed spending their lives together. He expressed, “We had wonderful times together. I couldn’t have asked for more. The boys had someone who truly understood their needs.”
Despite Jane’s professional success as a director at the Youth Futures Foundation, where she advised the Department for Work and Pensions on youth employment, she had been battling mental health challenges since the birth of her twins in 2017.
Following her demise, friends rallied to support Mr. Gleeson by raising over £7,000. Colleague Suzanne Hu described Jane as a brilliant professional and beloved friend to many. She added, “Her absence is deeply felt, especially by Sean, Fred, and Josh, who are mourning the loss of such an influential figure.”
Concluding that Jane’s death resulted from her ingestion of the chemical, Coroner Nadia Persaud extended the court’s sympathies to Jane’s family and praised Mr. Gleeson for his unwavering support.
The Royal Mail expressed condolences over the tragic incident but emphasized their legal obligation not to open parcels. They highlighted their collaboration with law enforcement agencies to report any suspicious items.
For individuals seeking emotional support, the Samaritans helpline is available 24/7 at 116 123, or via email at jo@samaritans.org, in person at a Samaritans branch, or on the Samaritans website.