A mother and her disabled daughter were found dead in their Nottinghamshire home, four months after calling 999 for help. Alphonsine Djiako Leuga, 47, died from pneumonia, while her daughter, 18-year-old Loraine Choulla, who had Down’s syndrome, died later from malnutrition and dehydration.
An inquest revealed that Alphonsine called for an ambulance on 2 February 2024, pleading, “Would you send an ambulance? Please come, please.” No help came. The coroner said if an ambulance had arrived, Loraine would likely still be alive.
Police discovered their bodies on 21 May 2024, after a passerby raised concerns. Officers found mouldy food and signs that Loraine had tried to feed herself, including unopened tuna tins in the microwave and raw pasta in the bedroom.
East Midlands Ambulance Service apologized. “We are truly sorry,” said director Keeley Sheldon. Nottingham City Council also promised changes to avoid such tragedies. “Our thoughts are with the family,” they stated.
