Young mother, 21, is found dead in a suspected suicide after a ‘history of domestic violence’ – but her family claims she would NEVER have committed suicide
- Caitlin Thornton, 21, died March 11 in Cessnock, NSW
- She had been unconscious in the hospital for three days
- Police are treating the death as suicide – parents say this is unlikely
- For confidential 24-hour support in Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14
A young mother of two has died in a suspected suicide after reportedly becoming a victim of domestic violence.
Caitlin Thornton, 21, was found unconscious in the back garden of a house in Cessnock, in the Hunter region of NSW, around 8:30pm on March 8.
The beautician was rushed to John Hunter Hospital but never recovered from her injuries and sadly passed away three days later.
NSW Police have confirmed they are treating Ms Thornton’s death as a suspected self-harm incident.
“A crime scene was identified at the home and investigated by specialist forensic police, and an investigation into the incident has begun,” said a NSW police spokesman.
“Initial investigations suggest the incident is not suspicious and a report is being prepared for the information of the coroner.”
Caitlin Thornton, 21, (pictured) was found unconscious on March 8 at a home in Cessnock, NSW Hunter region.
Mrs. Thornton is pictured with her mother Kylie Bailey
But Ms Thornton’s mother, Kylie Bailey, said her daughter would never have committed suicide.
A spokesman for the NSW Coroner’s Court confirmed that the nature of Ms Thornton’s death is yet to be determined and the matter is still in court.
Specialized social workers from the Coroner’s Court are assisting the family, the spokesman said.
Ms. Thornton had just started a new chapter in her life – living as a single mother and setting up her own eyelash business in the weeks before her death.
A funeral has yet to be planned for Mrs Thornton, who leaves behind two sons – one a two-year-old toddler and the other just 12 months old.
Ms Bailey said her daughter was an “adoring, loving mother” who adored her two little boys.
“She had a great routine for her kids — she really cared about them,” she said.
“She took them to the park every day. She was a beautiful mother.’
Ms. Thornton, an eyelash stylist, had just started her own business a few weeks ago
Ms Bailey said her daughter was a loving mother who adored her two young sons
A group of 70 friends, family and locals held a memorial service for Mrs Thornton in Shoal Bay
Ms Bailey said she cannot bury her daughter because her ex-partner, who now looks after their children, was Ms Thornton’s close relatives.
“I really want to put my daughter to rest, but without going to the Supreme Court to fight for the bereaved, there’s nothing I can do,” she said.
While the family is still awaiting a funeral, family, friends and locals gathered in Shoal Bay on March 19 to pay their respects to the young mother by placing flowers in the ocean in her memory.
a GoFundMe launched to help her family raise money for her funeral and future education of her sons has raised $11,035 to date.
Tributes have poured in online for Ms Thornton as loved ones come to terms with her shocking death.
“May you rest in peace Caitlin – knowing that your family will always hold you in their hearts and keep your memory alive,” Justene Ford wrote.
“Sending so much love.”
Jemahli Adele said, “She is no longer in pain – she is at peace and knew she was loved, cherished and admired by so many.”
For confidential 24-hour support in Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.