Investigation into the death of Alex Duce raises serious questions about police responses to mental health crises.
In a heartbreaking story that has struck a chord with many, 18-year-old Alex Duce tragically lost her life following a police response to concerns about her welfare. Discovered unresponsive in her flat on September 11, 2022, Alex’s death has sparked an inquest that highlights serious shortcomings in police procedures when it comes to handling mental health crises.
Who was Alex Duce?
Alex Duce was not just another face in the crowd. She was a dedicated care home worker and a beauty student at Ebbw Vale College, known for her vibrant personality and a wide circle of friends.
Her mother reported her missing after a video call the night before raised alarms about Alex’s well-being, a behavior that was completely out of character for her. This led to a frantic search and ultimately, the tragic discovery.
The inquest, held at Newport Coroners’ Court, laid out the timeline of events leading to her untimely death. On that fateful day, police constable Michael Lammert was dispatched to her Castle Street flat after receiving reports about a missing person. He learned from Alex’s mother that her daughter had previously struggled with mental health issues, including a troubling incident involving self-harm.
Police response and protocol
During the inquest, Constable Lammert assessed Alex as a “medium” risk. He noted that she wasn’t under the influence of alcohol or drugs and posed no immediate danger to others. “There was no sense of urgency,” he explained, citing a lack of detailed information about her mental state at the time.
Despite knocking on her door and attempting to reach out to neighbors, Lammert ultimately decided to leave the scene, believing the situation did not warrant immediate action. His notes referenced a prior overdose incident but did not indicate any current suicidal intentions from Alex.
Later that afternoon, after being called back to the scene, Lammert and PC Lauren Smith faced significant delays in accessing the necessary equipment to force entry into Alex’s flat. It took around 52 minutes to retrieve the heavy tools essential for breaking in. PC Smith candidly admitted that such delays are a common issue for officers, bringing to light systemic problems within police operations when it comes to mental health emergencies.
Finding Alex and the aftermath
When the officers finally gained entry just before 5 PM, they found Alex unresponsive in her room. Despite immediate attempts at CPR, and a call to paramedics, the situation was dire. PC Ethan O’Sullivan, who arrived shortly after, reported that while Alex showed some signs of life, she was ultimately taken to Prince Charles Hospital, where she remained on life support until September 16—when the decision was made to turn off the machine.
The inquest continues to delve into the implications of this tragic case, particularly focusing on how police protocols can be improved in response to mental health crises. As the investigation unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for better training and communication for officers dealing with vulnerable individuals.
UPDATE AT [timestamp]: The inquest is ongoing, and more developments are anticipated as additional evidence comes to light.
