The former partner of singer James Morrison, Gill Catchpole, took her own life after enduring significant mental health challenges, an inquest has revealed. Gill Catchpole, 45, was discovered deceased by Morrison at her residence in Whitminster, Gloucestershire, on January 5th. Emergency services were summoned, and she was pronounced dead at 9:37 AM GMT.
Area coroner Roland Wooderson concluded that Catchpole’s death was a suicide during the inquest held at Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court. Detective Sergeant David Kania, who led the investigation into her sudden death, confirmed there was no third-party involvement. He stated, “There were no signs of a disturbance or third-party involvement.”
In a written statement, GP Dr. Emma Basker detailed that Catchpole had a history of recurring mental health issues, including anxiety and PTSD. She had been receiving medication, counseling, and psychological therapy. Toxicology tests revealed an alcohol level of 190mg per 100ml of blood, more than twice the legal drink-drive limit of 80mg per 100ml. However, the toxicologist could not determine the extent to which alcohol influenced her state of mind at the time of her death.
Coroner Wooderson remarked, “It is quite clear to me that, sadly, at the relevant time Gill was in a difficult place mentally. Having reviewed the evidence, it seems to me sadly that the appropriate conclusion on the balance of probabilities is suicide.”
The inquest also heard that Catchpole had been suffering from kidney disease since 2008 and had undergone a kidney transplant in late 2022. Despite her health struggles, she had recently launched her own catering business alongside her successful village café.
James Morrison, whose full name is James Morrison Catchpole, found his partner after being contacted by a concerned friend who had been unable to reach her. Morrison used his keys to enter the property, where he discovered her body. Police and paramedics were called, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The couple first met when Catchpole moved into Morrison’s mother’s home as a lodger when he was 17. They became romantically involved two years later and married in 2006. Morrison, who rose to fame in 2006 with his debut single “You Give Me Something,” had previously described their meeting as a “fairytale.”
In 2015, Morrison revealed he had taken a break from the music industry after the deaths of his father, older brother, and nephew within three years. “Spiritually, I had the wind kicked out of me. I stopped believing the world was good,” he told The Independent at the time.
Catchpole had been open about her health struggles and the impact they had on her life. In November 2023, she wrote on her café’s business page, “What a difference a year makes. This time last year I was having my kidney transplant, and a year on after many ups, downs, and heartache, I am here owning my own business. For anyone out there struggling, I can tell you from experience it does get better. Thanks to my amazing family and friends who have been there through it all and picked up the many pieces of me and my life.”
Despite her optimism, Catchpole’s mental health had been deteriorating, and she had been spotted without her wedding ring last summer. Her Facebook status had also been set to “single.” Friends and family indicated that her mental health had worsened since her split from Morrison.
The inquest heard that police had conducted a welfare check on Catchpole a few days before her death. Pathologist Dr. Terry Jones provided the provisional cause of death as hanging after conducting the post-mortem examination.
Morrison has since canceled all his work commitments to focus on caring for their two daughters, Ada Rose, 5, and Elsie, 15. The family has requested privacy as they grieve.
Catchpole’s death marks another tragedy in Morrison’s life, following the loss of his father, brother, and nephew. The singer has spoken candidly about the impact of these losses on his life and career. He had recently been planning new music, sharing an image of himself recording guitar music on Instagram with the caption, “New year, new adventure,” just a day before Catchpole’s death.
Friends and family members of Catchpole, including her mother, father, and step-father, attended the hearing but did not comment as they left. The inquest has been adjourned to a later date for further proceedings.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans in confidence on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email [email protected], or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. In the USA, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). For other countries, visit www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
Source: Clara Bullock & PA Media, BBC News, West of England
