Wirral doctor drowns with head in bath

Nov 29 2007 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

A RETIRED doctor died after being found arched over a bath in her home with her head in the water, an inquest heard.

Retired consultant Elizabeth Rhodes, 56, from West Kirby, Wirral, was found with her head under the water and her feet on the bathmat.

Her husband of 29 years, Dr Jonathan Rhodes, discovered his wife and despite attempting to resuscitate her – later with the help of paramedics he had called – she died.

An inquest at Wallasey town hall heard the retired consultant haema-tologist had been suffering from depression and alcohol addiction, and had recently learned she needed surgery for breast cancer.

The cause of death was given as asphyxia due to her head being submerged in the water. Coroner Christopher Johnson recorded an open verdict.