Jill Grint, 79, of Sarah Williman Close in Norwich, was discovered by a member of the public in Earlham Park on December 6 last year.
She was reported missing by her daughter the day before, after disappearing from her home.
She had visited her neighbour’s house that morning asking for vodka, and upon leaving told him that she would be “alright”, an inquest at Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard on Monday (August 3).
A CCTV appeal was launched by police, but Ms Grint – a retired housewife – was found dead during a search party at the park.
A CCTV image of Ms Grint posted as part of the appeal (Image: Norfolk Police)
The inquest heard how Ms Grint’s physical and mental health had declined in 2025.
She had recurring chest infections and spent time in a virtual ward in October.
Upon discharge, she experienced stress, had thoughts about life “not being worth living” and became very fixated on food and eating, which affected her appetite.
She was referred by a nurse practitioner to NHS Talking Therapies and had also been prescribed periciazine – an antipsychotic medicine used to treat serious mental illnesses, including short-term use to calm severe anxiety – which raised concerns from her family.
They asked why she had been given such a low dose of the medication at 1.25mg.
In a statement read out on her behalf, they added that her anxiety and mental health worsened upon taking periciazine.
An inquest into Ms Grint’s death took place on Monday (August 3) (Image: Denise Bradley)
A statement from Wensum Valley Medical Practice said that Ms Grint had “specifically requested” for half of a 2.5mg tablet of the medication.
They added that Ms Grint was familiar with periciazine and was instructed to discontinue taking it if symptoms occur.
The practice also highlighted that Ms Grint had eight clinical appointments in the six weeks prior to her death.
After visiting her neighbour’s house on the morning of December 5, her daughter visited her address later that day after she didn’t reply to her text about an appointment.
Upon arriving at the property, she found a written note, bank cards, a wedding ring, and a photo of the family – but no sign of Ms Grint, prompting her daughter to call 999.
Area coroner Yvonne Blake expressed condolences to Ms Grint’s family and friends (Image: Newsquest)
Ms Grint’s medical cause of death was listed as drowning.
A toxicology report found a ‘higher than therapeutic use’ concentration of sertraline in the blood at 400ng per ml.
Area coroner Yvonne Blake came to a shortform conclusion that Ms Grint died of suicide.
Ms Blake concluded the inquest by expressing condolences to her family and friends.
Do you need support?
Samaritans can be reached 24/7 on 116 123 for completely confidential support and advice.
The NHS First Response Service is available 24/7 on 111 option 2.