SUPERYACHT STEWARDESS, 21, DIED AFTER LOSING JOB AND HEATED ROW WITH EX-BOYFRIEND, INQUEST HEARS

BOURNEMOUTH, England — The family of a 21-year-old superyacht stewardess is demanding answers after an inquest heard details surrounding her death, including her dismissal from a luxury yacht and a final, troubling phone call with her former boyfriend.

Imogen Amesbury, from Lyme Regis, Dorset, died in January 2022, about two months after she was dismissed from the luxury yacht Queen Miri while it was docked in St. Martin.

According to evidence presented at Bournemouth Coroner’s Court, Amesbury had been asked to leave the yacht after returning from a night out intoxicated and having used cocaine. A former colleague told the inquest that she had previously received warnings before losing her position.

A DIFFICULT PERIOD AFTER LOSING HER JOB

After returning to England, Amesbury rekindled a relationship with her former boyfriend, Andrew Hewitt.

The court heard that the couple had an argument while staying at Amesbury’s mother’s home on Jan. 12, 2022. Hewitt left the house at approximately 4:10 a.m.

Amesbury followed him for a short distance before later speaking with him by phone.

During that conversation, she reportedly told Hewitt that she intended to end her life.

Hewitt told the inquest that he did not believe the statement was serious at the time. He said he considered it an “empty threat” because she had allegedly made similar statements previously.

He did not contact emergency services after the call.

Amesbury’s mother later discovered her daughter at the family home.

INQUEST HEARS CLAIMS ABOUT THEIR RELATIONSHIP

Amesbury’s parents have raised serious concerns about the relationship between their daughter and Hewitt.

Her father, Peter Woolford, told the court that he believed Hewitt had exerted significant emotional control over Amesbury.

He alleged that Hewitt had insulted his daughter, taken money from her and behaved in ways that contributed to her distress.

Woolford described the relationship as toxic and said he believed his daughter had been under significant pressure.

However, these allegations have not been established as facts by the inquest.

Hewitt has denied allegations of abusive behavior. When questioned about certain alleged messages and conduct, he denied some accusations and gave “no comment” to another question.

TOXICOLOGY RESULTS REVEALED

A toxicology examination found that Amesbury had a high level of alcohol in her system when she died, reportedly nearly three times the legal drink-driving limit.

The examination also detected cocaine at what was described as a recreational level.

The inquest heard that Amesbury had experienced mental health difficulties before her death, including spending approximately two weeks at The Priory treatment center in 2021.

Her cause of death was recorded as hanging.

FAMILY REMEMBERS A TALENTED YOUNG WOMAN

Amesbury’s mother, Marie Amesbury, broke down as she described her daughter as gentle, warmhearted, adventurous and courageous.

She said Imogen had been awarded an art scholarship at Queen’s College Taunton and was also a talented athlete.

At 19, she began working as a stewardess aboard superyachts.

Her mother told the court that her daughter had “so much more” life ahead of her and described the loss as an unimaginable pain for the family.

INQUEST CONTINUES

The inquest is examining the circumstances surrounding Amesbury’s death, including her mental health history, alcohol and drug use, employment difficulties and relationship with Hewitt.

Hewitt told the court that the couple had previously tried to separate but remained closely connected.

He said that when Amesbury made the statement about ending her life during their final phone conversation, he did not believe she intended to act on it.

The circumstances surrounding her death remain under examination.

Imogen Amesbury was just 21 when her life came to a tragic end. Now, her family is left seeking answers about the final weeks of a young woman they remember as talented, adventurous and full of potential.