DJ sent haunting WhatsApp message to family before tragic death
A DJ messaged her family telling them of her recent emotional battles just hours before taking her own life, according to an inquest into her death.
Lucy Stone died on September 4, two days after arriving in Hampstead, North West London, from Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, where she lived and was based for work, The Sun reported.
The 38-year-old had weeks earlier ended a five-year relationship, and a week before her death she split with another man she had been dating for a week, the inquest heard.
Ms Stone, originally from Chelmsford in Essex, was reported missing on September 5 after her family received a message on WhatsApp saying she had been struggling with suicidal thoughts.
The Sun reported her friend Katie Hopkins, known as DJ Katie Smiles, was with her on her final night and told the inquest she was not aware of how much the long hours, loneliness and travel often involved in the industry had affected her.
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She said in the morning she woke to a message from Ms Stone’s sister, asking her to check on her.
Later that day police reportedly came to Ms Hopkins’ home to say Ms Stone had taken her own life.
“She was amazing. She was a shining light in my life and an irreplaceable friend. Her sudden death has shocked me to the core. She is such a great loss to me and her family,” Ms Hopkins said in a statement at the inquest.
“The music industry that Lucy and I were involved in can be a lonely and tough life and I wish I had known how much it had brought her down.”
Ms Hopkins added that her friend was “at the top of her game” and worked at some of the most sought-after venues in the industry.
Ms Stone, reportedly performed at Ministry of Sound and HedKandi clubs, as well as high-profile events.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
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