Mother who killed disabled daughter and herself left tragic note
A single mother 'overwhelmed' by loneliness and isolation who took her own life and that of her severely disabled eight-year-old daughter left behind a tragic goodbye note professing her love for her child, an inquest has heard.Martina Karos, 40, and Eleni Edwards were found at the home they shared in Salford, Greater Manchester, after police were called when the child failed to attend her special school on September 23, 2024.A pathologist gave the cause of death for the mother and daughter as carbon monoxide toxicity, Bolton Coroner's Court heard.When the two were discovered, police found a heartbreaking note from Ms Karos which read: 'I love my daughter truly, but that's why I have taken her with me.'Eleni was described in court as 'severely disabled', and had a number of health conditions as well as being blind and suffering with limited mobility. Concluding joint inquests into both deaths yesterday, area coroner Peter Sigee concluded that Eleni was unlawfully killed by Ms Karos, who then died by suicide. Earlier the court heard that three notes were found in the property from Ms Karos, with extracts read aloud for those in attendance.One of the notes, which was addressed 'to whom it may concern', stated: 'I just couldn't live my life like this anymore'. Martina Karos, 42, and her severely disabled daughter, Eleni Edwards, eight, were found dead at home, the inquest heardIt went on to reference a recent relationship ending before Ms Karos wrote: 'Loneliness, sadness and isolation have just taken over my life.'She added: 'I love my daughter truly and that's why I have taken her with me, due to her severe disability. She will never be able to have an independent life.'Elsewhere, she wrote that she did not want Eleni to face going into care or becoming an 'unwanted' child. Ms Karos, originally from Poland and who had worked as a translator, had struggled with her mental health following the breakup of a relationship, and caring for her daughter left her feeling socially isolated and lonely, the joint inquests into the deaths were told.She had told a friend she felt life was not worth living, and at times had become emotionally distant from her daughter.Eleni was put on a Child Protection Plan by social service staff at Salford City Council in January 2024, and mother and child had a range of support services, the inquest heard.These included daily visits from carers, social workers, short and medium-term respite care, counselling, talking therapy and psychotherapy.Social workers had also accompanied Ms Karos to social activities to try to get her to make new friendships - but she struggled with such efforts, the hearing was told. After Eleni and Ms Karos's deaths, floral and teddy bear tributes were left outside their property The pair were found dead at their home in Salford, Greater Manchester, in September 2024 The court also heard from Ms Karos's mother, Malgorzata Karos, who said her daughter was a 'devoted' mother, and that Eleni was 'the reason Martina would get out of bed in the morning'. Coroner Mr Sigee said: 'Ms Karos had deliberately placed herself and her daughter in an environment where they were overcome by the toxic effects of carbon monoxide with the intention and effect of ending both their lives.'Despite a high level of good quality, focused support and care from family, her limited group of friends and professionals, including GP, specialised mental health services, social workers and carers, Ms Karos experienced feelings of extreme loneliness and isolation which overwhelmed her.'Ms Karos decided to end her life by suicide.'Mr Sigee said Ms Karos denied any thoughts of harming herself or Eleni and there was no 'objective basis' to suspect she would do so, adding: 'This tragic incident could not reasonably have been foreseen.'Earlier, the inquest heard Ms Karos told social workers of her unhappiness and feeling 'stuck' and isolated.She had to give up work because of caring responsibilities for her daughter, but Ms Karos felt lonely during the day when Eleni attended a special school and most people were at work.Respite care was increased so Ms Karos could attend activities on evenings and weekends, the inquest was told. Social workers set up events with various groups but Ms Karos failed to engage.The inquest was told the problem was not Ms Karos's lack of time, but the lack of social connections.Ms Karos was born in Lublin, and as a child moved to Italy with her family.She moved to England in 2003 and studied languages at university, working as a translator and interpreter.After being told she could not have children, she became pregnant with Eleni and was 'surprised and excited'.The pregnancy was normal but six months or so after her daughter's birth in June 2016, it became apparent Eleni was very severely disabled, unable to see or communicate verbally and with restricted mobility.Ms Karos was described as a 'devoted' mother, and Eleni was happy and 'thriving' despite her disabilities.Following the inquest, Martina's mother said in a statement: 'Martina was always a good child and good person. She was very talented and intelligent. She loved her child more than life itself.'Despite the hardships associated with caring for a disabled child, she did everything she could to give Eleni a comfortable life. Eleni was the love of her life. She didn't want to leave her to anyone, not knowing what her future was.'We want their deaths to change the way disabled children, but also their parents, are perceived. A child is better off with happy parents.'Time will never heal the wound in the heart of [Martina and Eleni's] mother and grandmother. May their tragic deaths change some things that will help save others before they make a drastic decision.'For confidential support, call the Samaritans for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org for more information.
