A 21-year-old superyacht stewardess died by suicide following an argument with her on-off boyfriend after they had consumed wine and cocaine, an inquest has heard.
Imogen Amesbury, known as Imo, had been working on superyachts abroad for several months in 2021 before returning to her home in Lyme Regis, Dorset. Shortly after her return to the UK, she rekindled her relationship with ex-partner Andrew Hewitt. The couple had a falling out while staying at her mother's home on January 12, 2022.
Mr. Hewitt stated he left the house at 4:10 a.m., and Ms. Amesbury followed him briefly. Approximately an hour later, they spoke on the phone. During this call, Ms. Amesbury reportedly told him she was "going to kill herself and wanted to die." Mr. Hewitt responded by telling her "don't be stupid." Ms. Amesbury then told him to "f*** off" and ended the call. Her body was discovered at the property later that day. The inquest determined her cause of death was hanging.
Ms. Amesbury had a history of mental health struggles, including a two-week stay at The Priory treatment center in the spring of 2021 following self-harm. However, her aunt reported that Ms. Amesbury was in a better place and had been making future plans after her return from a three-month stint on a superyacht sailing to the Caribbean, during which she was reportedly in good spirits.
Mr. Hewitt testified that he and Ms. Amesbury had been in an on-off relationship for five years, noting that their parents disapproved of their relationship but they remained intertwined. He recounted that they had spent the evening of January 11 consuming two bottles of wine, with Ms. Amesbury also using cocaine. Tensions escalated during the night when they discussed past relationships, leading Ms. Amesbury to follow Mr. Hewitt when he left the house.
Mr. Hewitt claimed he sent Ms. Amesbury WhatsApp messages and called her after returning home, during which she made the threat to end her life. He told the inquest he believed it to be an empty threat, as she had made similar statements before, and that she sounded "nonchalant" but he did not believe she was serious. A police investigation into Ms. Amesbury's death concluded without further action against any individual. Mr. Hewitt denied allegations of hitting Ms. Amesbury or threatening to send intimate pictures, and declined to comment on questions regarding verbal abuse or texts telling her to "go kill herself."
A toxicology report indicated Ms. Amesbury had a blood alcohol level nearly three times the legal driving limit and a "recreational" amount of cocaine in her system at the time of her death. Ms. Amesbury's family expressed concerns to the court regarding the nature of her relationship with Mr. Hewitt and its impact on her state of mind. The inquest in Bournemouth is ongoing. Confidential support is available via Samaritans at 116 123 or samaritans.org.