The Tragic Discovery
On the morning of May 4, 2023, Michael Barber went to wake up his 11-year-old daughter, Roxy Mae Barber, for school. He knocked on her door several times, but got no answer. He opened the door and found her unresponsive in her bedroom. He called for an ambulance, but it was too late. Roxy Mae was pronounced dead at the scene.
Roxy Mae was a “funny and generous” girl who loved animals and playing video games, according to her father. She had moved in with him in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, after spending her early years with her mother nearby. She was looking forward to getting a dog and planning her father’s wedding with his partner.
Her death shocked and saddened her family, friends, and school community. Her father said he was “devastated” and had not been able to return to his home since the incident. He sold the house and moved in with his partner. He paid tribute to his “beautiful, kind, funny and generous” daughter at an inquest into her death.
The Unexplained Cause of Death
The inquest into Roxy Mae’s death was held at Cleethorpes Town Hall on June 8, 2023. The coroner, Paul Smith, said that the cause of death was unexplained, pending further investigation. He said there was no evidence of suicide or intention on Roxy Mae’s part.
He said that Roxy Mae had performed an act that led to her death, but did not intend the result. He did not specify what the act was, but said it was deliberate. He said that Roxy Mae had no history of mental health issues or self-harm. He also said that there was nothing on her social media accounts or devices that raised any concerns.
He said that on the night before her death, Roxy Mae had gone to bed as usual. Her father heard a loud bang around 10:30 p.m., but thought nothing of it. He said that Roxy Mae had been happy and excited about the future in the weeks leading up to her death.
The coroner recorded a narrative conclusion, stating: “Roxy Mae Barber died as a result of an act which she carried out deliberately but without intending the fatal outcome.”
The Ongoing Mystery
The inquest did not provide a clear answer to what happened to Roxy Mae or why she did what she did. The coroner said that further tests and inquiries were being conducted to try to establish the exact cause of death and the circumstances surrounding it.
He said that he hoped that the investigation would provide some closure and comfort to Roxy Mae’s family and friends. He expressed his condolences and sympathy to them.
Roxy Mae’s death remains a mystery that haunts everyone who knew and loved her. She was a bright and cheerful girl who had so much to live for. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
