An aspiring paramedic took her own life after struggling with mental health issues throughout her life, an inquest has heard.

Mia Fahy was found dead on the M4 between junctions 15 and 16 in the early hours of December 5, 2021.

The care worker and aspiring paramedic, described as an "empathetic, helpful and caring person" by her family, had been on a shopping trip in Bath and a night out in Old Town in the hours leading up to her death.

She returned home to dance with her mother until 3.30am, but hours later took a taxi to take her own life.

The moments leading up to Mia's death were detailed in an inquest held at Wiltshire and Swindon Coroners' Court on Thursday (October 6), attended by several members of her family.

The court was told a pair of Primark sliders, an Apple Airpod case and a mobile phone with Mia's ID were left behind on the bridge and found by a police officer.

Area coroner Ian Singleton found Mia's cause of death was "multiple injuries, including multiple fractures, soft tissue and organ injuries" sustained either by the fall or possibly being struck by a car and a lorry".

After considering the events leading up to Mia's death, Mr Singleton confirmed that “Mia intended the consequences of her actions”, and determined she died by suicide.

'The most loving and selfless person'

Andrea Smith, Mia's mother, confirmed that the 19-year-old had struggled with mental health issues throughout her life.

She said that she had sometimes brought her work home with her and found it stressful.

But Ms Smith described her daughter as an “empathetic, helpful and caring person” who became a carer at Nurse Plus to advance her dreams of being a paramedic where she could continue to help people.

Samantha Walls, the friend she was with the day before, added that she was “the most loving and selfless person who always put everyone else before herself” and had the “biggest heart".

Mia had sought help for her struggles with depression and anxiety and had been prescribed medication.

Some months prior to her death Mia had confided to her mother that she had booked a taxi to take her to the same bridge but the driver realised what she was doing and took her home instead.

In the events leading up to her death, her friends and family say there was no indication of what she planned to do.

Ms Walls, who last saw Mia at Tree nightclub in Old Town, recalled her friend giving her a long hug goodbye at the end of the night, something that in hindsight she said she realised was longer than usual.

Mia then arrived home at 1.30am where she was greeted by her family who asked her if she wanted to decorate the Christmas tree.

Instead, at Mia’s request, they had their own party in their house until 3.30am when everyone but Mia went to bed, leaving her downstairs on the phone to a friend.

After finding out that Mia wasn’t still at home some hours later, Andrea tracked her location via her mobile phone and saw where it was. She then raced to the scene where police were already present.  

In a statement from the family released via Wiltshire Police after her death, they said: "We just wish that Mia knew and understood how loved and cherished she was by so many."

If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out for support. Contact the Samaritans in confidence and for free, 24 hours a day 365 days a year, on 116 123.