Man found estranged wife dead in hall, inquest told
A“FUN and loving” mum-ofthree was found dead by her husband after she didn’t turn up to meet her children, an inquest heard.
Joanne Claire Cleaver, 49, was found dead at her home in Woodlands Walk, Merthyr Tydfil, on May 17 last year, Pontypridd Coroners’ Court heard yesterday .
Mrs Cleaver’s widower, Paul Cleaver, from whom she had been separated for around 18 months, said she had a history of mental ill-health including depression and anxiety.
“She suffered with her mental health for around 10 years and she had previously tried to take her own life,” he said during evidence read out by assistant coroner for south Wales Rachel Knight.
Mr Cleaver said he had last seen his wife “eight or nine” days before her death. He said he became concerned about her welfare when she did not turn up to see her children on May 17.
“I came home from work at around 3.30pm or 4pm and the children said Joanne hadn’t turned up,” he said.
He said it was out of character for Mrs Cleaver, who would usually send a text if she was not able to make it.
Mr Cleaver said he became more concerned when he called Mrs Cleaver and she did not answer her phone, so he went to her home.
When she did not answer the door after he knocked he asked her neighbour, Karen Powles, if he could use her garden to get access to Mrs Cleaver’s home, the inquest heard.
Mr Cleaver was able to enter the home via the living-room before he found Mrs Cleaver hanged when he walked into the hallway.
Although emergency services arrived a short time later and CPR was performed Mrs Cleaver died at the scene, the inquest heard.
It was heard that no suicide note was discovered and Mrs Cleaver had no injuries other than ligature marks. Her medical cause of death was given as hanging.
Ms Knight said: “Joanne Claire Cleaver was aged 49 and suffered with diabetes, depression, and had previous suicide attempts. She was found deceased by her husband, who she was separated from.”
The coroner added: “There was no indication of the involvement of any other person and no sign of a note being left.”
She opted to give a narrative conclusion and said: “[Mrs Cleaver] died by ligature in circumstances where her [intentions] could not be ascertained.”
Speaking in July 2021, Mrs Cleaver’s son, Jack, and stepdaughter, Sammi, described their mum as a sociable person who was known and loved by many in the community.
“She was always the most bubbly person in the room and always put everyone else first,” said Jack. “Especially us three boys, who meant the world to her. Her friends always said she was the life and soul of the party. When they weren’t feeling their best she’d always bring them up and put a smile on their face. In work she’d always be the fun one cracking jokes.
“She had a few passions – the main one was the love for animals. She always wanted to speak Welsh so she was learning that for a while. She loved movies and books.”
Sammi added: “She worked parttime in Tesco on the checkout. She was always cracking jokes with the customers – she was really memorable. A lot of people knew her. People would always go to her counter saying it was because she was so lovely and would ask questions.
“She also had Avon as her side hustle, which she loved. She was very much a people’s person. She loved talking with people and it gave her that opportunity to make those connections with people.”
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