'A wonderful human being': Family's tribute to Stafford mother killed by train
The family of a mother who died when she was hit by a train after being diagnosed with depression have paid tribute to her.
Yolanda Dolton died from multiple injuries when she was hit by a train travelling at around 65mph through Norton Bridge, Staffordshire, on May 15, Cannock Coroner's Court heard.
Speaking after her inquest, brother Robert Rusk said: "She was a wonderful mother and a wonderful human being."
The inquest heard Mrs Dolton, who worked as a child physiotherapist, became pregnant with her second child in 2014 but a scan at 20 weeks revealed an abnormality in the baby's brain development.
She became depressed and was admitted to St George's Hospital in Stafford where she began treatment after giving birth in February this year.
Mrs Dolton, who lived in Marston Road, Stafford, was diagnosed with psychotic depression but her condition seemed to improve during March and early April, the inquest was told.
Sharon Conlon, of South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said there was a notable deterioration in her mental health around April 15, but her condition later seemed to improve.
The inquest heard the 35-year-old had visited the hospital unit on the day she died.
Ms Conlon said staff had thought Mrs Dolton's mental heath had improved but they were concerned about whether she was taking her medication and had asked her to continue visiting each morning.
It is thought Mrs Dolton afterwards walked to the site in Norton Bridge with her son in a pushchair before jumping in front of the train.
Paul Simmonds, rail death investigation officer for British Transport Police, said the train was about to pass under the bridge in Worston Lane at around 2.55pm when Mrs Dolton stepped into its path.
South Staffordshire Coroner Andrew Haigh concluded she had committed suicide while suffering from psychotic depression.
