A COUNCIL employee was reported missing on two occasions before she took her own life, an inquest has ruled.

Braintree Council worker Kim Purdy, 35, was living in Tiptree, Colchester, when she died on October 20 last year.

She was twice classed as a high risk missing person by Essex Police before her death. 

All protocols were followed and no investigation was opened.

At an inquest at Essex Coroner’s Court in Chelmsford on Monday, senior coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray said: “On October 18, Kim Purdy was found hanging and taken to Colchester Hospital unresponsive.

“Sadly she passed away on October 20.

“On October 31, Dr Swift carried out a post-mortem examination and ruled that she died of a hypoxic ischemic brain injury.

“There were no signs of offensive or defensive injuries.”

Miss Purdy had been admitted to Broomfield Hospital briefly before her death after texting a colleague and threatening to take her own life, the inquest was told.

Toxicology tests from hair samples showed she had low amounts of diazepam and an opiate, which was possibly morphine, in her system in the three months prior to her death.

She also had low amounts of cocaine in her system between three and six months before her death. 

At the time of her death Nicola Beach, chief executive at Braintree Council, said: “Kim was a much-valued member of our team. She was well-liked and respected by all her colleagues. At this very sad time, our thoughts and prayers are with Kim’s family and friends.”

The cause of death was ruled as suicide.