Tributes paid to policewoman found dead at her home
Colleagues today paid tribute to a celebrated former Staffordshire Police officer who died after she cut her toe and bled to death.
Kimberley Sumner was found dead at her home on Leacroft Road in Penkridge on April 10 and was last known to be alive two days prior to that.
A coroner ruled earlier this month that she had cut her toe and had clotting problems because of alcohol-related liver disease. After she attempted to deal with it on her own, she died from blood loss.
The 46-year-old was praised for her work as a police officer for more than 20 years and had been presented with her Long Service Award before she retired.
A Staffordshire Police spokesman told colleagues: "It is with sadness that I share with you the news that a former officer, colleague and friend to many, Kim Sumner sadly passed away on Sunday 10th April 2016.
"Kim had suffered with numerous medical issues for several years and had taken early retirement on ill health grounds in 2012.
"Kim loyally served as a Police Constable with Staffordshire Police for over 20 years, and had been presented with her Long Service Award prior to her retirement.
Many colleagues will have fond memories of Kim from working with her in her frontline roles at Cannock, Codsall, Watling, the Traffic department and latterly within the Force Control Room.
"Kim will be greatly missed by many, and our thoughts go to her family and friends who have asked that their privacy is respected at this difficult time."
The injury to Miss Sumner's toe was the only one that could be found on her body but a post-mortem examination found the level of alcohol in her blood was twice over the legal drink-drive limit.
She had a history of heavy drinking, poor health and sclerosis of the liver.
Coroner Andrew Haigh said at her inquest, at Cannock Coroner's Court: "Kimberley Sumner was last believed to be alive on April 8 2016 and she was found dead in her home on April 10. "She had clotting problems caused by alcohol-related liver disease. While intoxicated she sustained an injury to one of her toes. She had attempted to deal with it by herself and died from blood loss."
