Family of nurse found dead in river say she was failed by ‘systemic neglect’

The family of a nurse whose body was found in a river after a three-week search have said she was failed by “systemic neglect and under-resourcing in mental health services”.

Victoria Taylor, 34, went missing from her home in Malton, North Yorkshire, on 30 September last year. Her body was recovered from the River Derwent on 22 October after an extensive search.

The inquest into her death in Northallerton heard that Taylor struggled with alcohol and mental health problems related to a childhood trauma.

Coroner Catherine Cundy said the trauma left “an indelible mark” on Taylor’s life “in the form of depression, anxiety and chronic feelings of worthlessness”. Recording a narrative verdict, Cundy said she could not be sure of Taylor’s intentions when she went into the river.

In a statement issued afterwards, Taylor’s sister, Emma Worden, said she hoped the inquest would be a turning point. She said: “Vixx was a devoted mother, a loving fiancee and a fiercely loyal sister. She showed up for those she loved with warmth, humour and a deep sense of care.

“She reached out for help. She made herself visible to services. And yet, time and again, she was failed and left without the support she needed. The failures in her care were not isolated incidents. They were part of a wider pattern of systemic neglect and under-resourcing in mental health services.

“Vixx deserved better. She deserved to be seen, heard and supported. Instead, she was left to carry burdens alone. Her death is a tragedy, but it must also be a turning point. Let this inquest be a step toward accountability, learning and change.”

During the daylong inquest Worden turned to representatives of Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS foundation trust (TEWV) saying they were going “round in circles”. She said: “Nobody looked her in the eye and said: ‘We will help you,’ and she’s not here now because you failed her.”

The coroner said she would be writing to TEWV and a number of other agencies with her concerns over the support Taylor was given.

She said she found it “difficult to understand” why community mental health services repeatedly declined to offer Taylor support as her situation deteriorated during 2024.

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Source: The Guardian, 3 September 2025